During the 2023 annual Lagos Women’s Marathon held on Lagos Island, News About Nigeria gathered that at least 14 athletes experienced health complications, collapsing and subsequently being resuscitated.
The marathon, which took place on Saturday between 7 a.m. and midday, witnessed a series of medical incidents, prompting the intervention of the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA).
Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, the Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, confirmed the incidents and reported that the LASEMA Response Team (LRT) and paramedics from the agency’s pre-hospital care unit promptly attended to the affected athletes.
The athletes suffered from a range of conditions, including dehydration, hypoglycemia, muscle pull, and exhaustion due to physical exertion.
Two athletes experienced a semi-loss of consciousness during the marathon. All 14 affected athletes received immediate first aid treatment, and the two athletes with semi-loss of consciousness were successfully resuscitated.
They were then transported to the General Hospital in Odan, Lagos Island, for further medical care.
Speaking on the event, Oke-Osanyintolu emphasised the significance of collaborative efforts in emergency response.
He highlighted the need to protect ‘the Golden Hour’, emphasising that despite the challenges faced during the marathon, proper preparations and the deployment of the LRT with its Pre-Hospital Care Unit were crucial for the successful management of the situation.
He noted, “Despite the huge turnout of athletes and the recorded challenges, proper preparations and deployment of the LRT with its Pre-Hospital Care Unit in full attendance for any eventualities were solely responsible for the success of the event.”
Recall that the Lagos State Government announced the closure of 20 important roads on Lagos Island and Victoria Island ahead the Women’s Marathon in the State.
The government said the roads would be closed between 6.00am and 2.00pm on Saturday, 11 November 2023 for the annual Women’s Mini-Marathon.
