CHIEF MEDIC   2008

Charles Albert, PA
21 Meadow Lane
Fort Kent, ME
(207) 834-4405
charles.albert@nmmc.org



  1. The Chief Medic is responsible for organizing a team to provide basic first aid to the mushers, volunteers, and bystanders at the races.

  2. The Chief Medic should be a medical provider (physician,physician’s assistant, emergency medical technician, or registered nurse) and should work closely with Search & Rescue and the local Ambulance Service(s).


    MEDICS


  3. Medics must be first aid certified and can include doctors, PA’s/NP’s, nurses, EMT’s, and basic first aid personnel. Medics must be prepared to use common sense in administering basic first aid.

  4. Medics should maintain close communication with the Chief Medic and the checkpoint coordinators.

  5. If a medic believes that a musher’s physical or mental condition has deteriorated sufficiently to endanger the welfare of the musher or the musher’s dogs, then the medic may advise the musher to quit the race (“scratch”) or to delay departure from a checkpoint. However, medics cannot force a musher to scratch or rest. A medic should seek the support of the Chief Medic, Race Marshal, Chief Veterinarian, Race Directors, and/or other Race Officials if a musher is unwilling to accept advice that may be crucial to the health and welfare of the musher or his/her team.

  6. The medics at each checkpoint should document on the “encounter forms” when administering care to a musher. This can help keep track of injuries and also help with liability issues. If an injury requires close followup at the next checkpoint, the medic should relay this to the next checkpoint or to the Chief Medic.

  7. Medics do not need to venture out on the trails unless called upon to do so. Search & Rescue will bring the ailing person to a medic.

  8. Medics should not approach a team without the permission and guidance of the musher. Mushers will often want to secure their teams before accepting medical assistance.

  9. Medics should properly identify themselves and direct any questions to appropriate race officials.