Blog

This was an important year for ARTI as it was the first year Certified Athletic and Rehabilitation Therapists (ARTC) were involved in supporting the health and safety of the athletes taking part in the Dublin City Marathon. Both qualified and student ARTI members were invited to assist at the event. ARTCs were responsible for the provision of emergency care and management of acute injuries and illnesses. In a great example of the importance and benefits of multi-disciplinary care, each ARTC was allocated a Medical Tent, where they treated casualties along with a nurse and a medical doctor. During the event, they dealt with patients with issues such as hypothermia, cramps, psychogenic shock, exhaustion and many musculoskeletal injuries.

ARTCs proved to be a very successful addition to the Dublin City Marathon Medical Team. Owen Feeney ARTC who worked at the event thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the collaboration with a multi-disciplinary medical team.

“Getting to interact with the other therapists and medical staff was a unique experience. It was very well organized and I hope to be a part of the event again next year”.

The student ARTI members involved in the event also gained great experience. Kirsty Mc Ilwaine, a third-year student of Dublin City University’s BSc in Athletic Therapy and Training remarked:

“I enjoyed the event. The exposure I got far outweighed the demanding nature of the work. It was a great environment to put our Emergency First Responder skills into practice which was very rewarding. It gave us a good insight into my future  role as a Certified Athletic and Rehabilitation Therapist.”

We look forward to this being an annual event for ARTCs moving forward. Thank you to Dr. May Tan, the Medical Director of the Dublin Marathon and the Race Series, also to FestiMed, and thanks to all ARTI and student representatives who attended.