SERDANG, Aug 19 — The medical team at UPM Stadium here has improved its standard operating procedure (SOPs) for emergencies during SUKMA athletics competitions.
The improvements were introduced after several athletes in the men’s and women’s 3,000m steeplechase on Monday suffered heatstroke while competing in the hot afternoon sun, with several requiring treatment at the medical tent.
Among them was Selangor runner Nur Fatihah Mohamad Adham, who suffered heat exhaustion and collapsed just 30m before the finish line.
There were also claims the medical team was not adequately prepared.
However, checks by Media Selangor yesterday and today found that the medical team at UPM Stadium has set up two emergency medical posts and prepared additional medical equipment to allow prompt responses.
A medic there said the earlier incidents were an important lesson for the team, adding that they are now better prepared and will take steps to prevent similar incidents.
The SUKMA athletics competitions involve 47 medal events and will run until tomorrow.
