Athletes hospitalized for one day, organizers unaware of specific information
On July 30, Deputy Director of Quang Binh Department of Health Le Thanh Tuan said that during the running event “Quang Binh International Marathon 2024” held in Dong Hoi City (Quang Binh Province) on July 28, two athletes were hospitalized due to exhaustion.
“These two athletes, named T.T.H and V.N.A, showed symptoms of weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath right after crossing the finish line. The medical team then transferred these two athletes to Vietnam - Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital for emergency treatment,” Mr. Tuan said.
Dr. Nguyen Duc Cuong - Director of Vietnam - Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital confirmed that two athletes from the recent running event are being treated at the Intensive Care - Anti-Poison Department of the hospital.
Dr. Le Thanh Duong, Intensive Care - Anti-Poison Department, Vietnam - Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital, informed that when these two athletes arrived at the hospital, they were suffering from heat stroke, rhabdomyolysis syndrome, and fluid deficiency causing acute kidney failure.
"After aggressive fluid replacement, the patients are now conscious, able to walk and eat, but still have muscle breakdown. The acute kidney failure is improving well. Currently, the two patients are still under observation and treatment," Dr. Duong said.
Notably, the incident occurred on July 28, but by the afternoon of July 29, when a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper contacted the event organizers, they responded that they were not aware of the specific information. After checking, Deputy Director of Quang Binh Department of Culture and Sports Le Phu Son confirmed the incident. Mr. Son explained that the lack of information was due to poor coordination between parties during the event.
Continuing to contact Bolt Event Joint Stock Company (the unit coordinating with Quang Binh Department of Culture and Sports) to organize the event, the company's director, Mr. Duong Dinh Viet, on the afternoon of July 29, confirmed that no athletes from the running event were hospitalized.
But shortly after, Mr. Viet retracted his statement, confirming that two athletes were being treated at Vietnam - Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital.
Blocking National Highway 1A, causing travel difficulties
Previously, the “Quang Binh International Marathon 2024” event, with nearly 3,000 athletes competing in four distances: 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km, took place on July 28.
Many local residents believed that the event organizers and local authorities' decision to block National Highway 1A, the section through Dong Hoi City, caused significant travel difficulties.
The organizers blocked Hung Vuong Road (National Highway 1A) through the center of Dong Hoi City, around Ho Chi Minh Square, to hold the running event. Many vehicles found it difficult to navigate this route.
Previously, the Quang Binh Provincial People's Committee had a meeting with representatives from various departments, agencies, and localities to inform them about the running event. Deputy Chairman of Quang Binh Provincial People's Committee Hoang Xuan Tan requested that agencies, localities, and units closely coordinate in organizing the running event.
Dr. Le Thanh Duong, Intensive Care - Anti-Poison Department, Vietnam - Cuba Dong Hoi Friendship Hospital, shared that for those participating in sports activities, especially running events, it is essential to screen for underlying conditions before participating.
"Patients with symptoms of arrhythmia, hypertension, or uncontrolled heart failure can be life-threatening," Dr. Duong said.
Dr. Le Thanh Duong further advised that athletes need to train regularly and gradually increase their intensity. Overexertion beyond the body's capacity can affect health. Additionally, during the run, it is crucial to warm up and adequately supply electrolytes.
