CHATTANOOGA,TN – Nine participants in Sunday’s Triathlon event were treated at Erlanger’s Emergency Room, and three were hospitalized at the downtown hospital for acute respiratory distress, aspiration, and a shoulder-related injury, according to Erlanger ER officials.
Four race participants suffered injuries as a result of bicycle crashes, and two of those were treated for closed head injuries. Other medical issues requiring treatment from Erlanger’s emergency medicine team included minor ankle injuries, weakness, nausea, and dehydration. Seven of the ER patients were male and two female, ranging in age from the early 30’s to mid-60’s.
“In an event of this magnitude, with more than 2000 competitors, it is a real credit to the organizers of this year’s Ironman event there were so few serious injuries,” said Dr. Rob Hamilton, with Erlanger Emergency Services.
