Emergency department activities at the Athletes' Village during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Abstract

Aim

More than 15,000 elite athletes participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Providing adequate medical services to these elite athletes was a priority. Hence, a polyclinic was established in the Athletes' Village. Visitors were triaged at the emergency department of the polyclinic to enable early treatment of critical illnesses or injuries in the emergency room (ER) and to identify patients suspected of having coronavirus disease as early as possible. No reports of emergency department activities at large sporting events in the pandemic era are available. Here, we aim to summarize the activities at the emergency department of the polyclinic.

Methods

Data were collected using an electronic medical record system, nursing records, and questionnaires administered during triage from July 13 to September 8, 2021. Polyclinic data involving accredited athletes and team members were summarized.

Results

During the Olympic Games, 12,318 triage cases were reported, of which 75 were treated in the ER. During the Paralympic Games, 8398 triage cases were reported, of which 94 were treated in the ER. During the Olympic Games, musculoskeletal issues (26 patients) were the most common. During the Paralympic Games, ear, nose, and throat issues were the most common (21 patients). Two patients experienced cardiopulmonary arrest in the Athletes' Village and were transported to the hospital postresuscitation.

Conclusion

During the study period, many critically ill patients were triaged and treated at the emergency department. Our data can be used to improve medical care and infection prevention at future international sporting events.