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IUSF Little 500 Season Protocols & Tips

   Here members who are working at any Little 500 season event can find additional

protocols and tips that will be helpful in preparing for and working their shifts.  All members that work at any event are responsible to know this information.  We know it

is a lot of information, but reviewing it before the first time you work, then revisiting specific sections as necessary, is usually sufficient.  Select one of the following topics

to learn more:

 

Shift Start        During Shift        Shift End

 

Radio Use        Helmet Removal        Ambulances

 

Weather        Sunglasses        Races

 

 Note:  These protocols and tips are in addition to the general protocols! 

 

 Shift Start

 The following guidelines should be followed for the start of each of your shifts:

  • Early in the season, the water supply to the stadium's restrooms will be turned off, and the restrooms will often be locked.  Make sure you use the restroom before coming to your shift.

  • Park in the parking lot.  Do not drive through the stadium gate and park near the bike shop.

  • Report to the bike shop behind the north stands next to the Metz Lounge, at the far end away from the stadium entrance.  All uniforms, equipment, and supplies are stored in the IU-EMS closet in the far rear corner.

  • If it is the first shift of the day, an EMT must thoroughly check all equipment and supplies before removing them from the bike shop, including checking the battery on the AED.  Visit the equipment page for a list of equipment to use.

  • Ensure that there is a clear path to the IU-EMS closet in the bike shop in case additional equipment is quickly needed.

  • Leave the IU-EMS closet doors unlocked at all times.

  • Make sure each EMT as well as the IUSF table has a charged radio.

       

                Bill Armstrong Stadium Parking Lot                       Bike Shop Entrance on Left, Next to Metz Lounge

 

        

                                              IU-EMS Closet                               Open Lock on Closet

 

       

  EMT and First Aider Checking Equipment and Supplies                        IUSF Table in Foreground

 During Shift

 The following guidelines should be followed during each of your shifts:

  • Always watch the entire track for crashes.  Sit or stand in different directions in order to accomplish this.  Do not respond to every crash, but only when the rider does not get up or when IUSF requests you to.

  • Always be careful when crossing the track.  When treating patients on the track, always ensure that an IUSF member stands between you and oncoming riders with a yellow caution flag to direct the riders to the side, and always face oncoming riders while assessing and treating the patients.

  • One EMT and one First Aider should respond to patients on the track with the medical bag, the trauma bag, and the c-collar bag.  The responding team must take one radio with them and leave one at the IU-EMS table.  Radio for additional equipment to be brought to the track if necessary.

  • Always check all patients' helmets for cracks or other deformities sustained during the relevant crash.  If one is present, you cannot release the patient with an SOR (statement of refusal/signature of release).  You must call for an ambulance (see below), as EMT-Basics cannot rule out spinal injury in such situations.  If the patient does not wish for you to call for an ambulance, explain to him or her that a paramedic can rule out spinal injury and that the patient can sign an SOR with the ambulance crew.  If the patient still refuses further assessment and treatment, detail the situation in the patient report narrative.  All damaged helmets must be reported to the senior IUSF member present at the event (this is compliant with HIPAA regulations).

       

                                          Riders Crashing                                                Riders Riding at Full Speed

                                                

       

                   EMTs and First Aiders Watching Entire Track                     IUSF Turn Watchers with Caution Flags

 

       

            EMT and First Aider Carrying Proper Equipment to Track         EMT Carrying Additional Equipment to Track

 

 Shift End

 The following guidelines should be followed for the end of each of your shifts:

  • If it is the last shift, return all equipment to the proper place in the bike shop, including the radio from the IUSF table.

  • Securely tie any full biohazard bags and place them on the floor in the IU-EMS closet for proper disposal.  These cannot be left in public places (i.e. outside the closet).

  • Leave the IU-EMS closet doors unlocked for the next shift.

       

                  First Aiders Returning Equipment to Bike Shop                           Full Biohazard Bags in Closet

 

 Radio Use

    In addition to the radio protocols on the general protocols page, the following protocol applies to the IUSF

 Little 500 season:

  • IUSF Radio

    • One radio will always be located at the IUSF table for two primary purposes:

      • IUSF needs to inform us of a new patient situation if we are not near them.

      • We need to order IUSF to clear the track for safety reasons or to allow an ambulance to enter the track.

 Visit the equipment page for additional information on radio use.

 

 Helmet Removal

    If an EMT determines that a patient requires spinal stabilization, remove his or her helmet using the

 following procedure:

  • First Aider maintains cervical spine stabilization form either above or beside the patient's head.

  • EMT unclips or cuts the helmet's strap and slowly slides it straight off the patient's head.

  • First Aider holds the patient's head in the same position.  Do not let the patient's head fall to the ground when the EMT removes the helmet.

  • EMT checks the helmet for cracks or other deformities.

               

Click to Enlarge                                                                Click to Enlarge

                                           Stabilization from Above                                Stabilization from Side

 Ambulances

    In addition to the ambulance protocols on the general protocols page, the following protocol applies to the

 IUSF Little 500 season:

  • Inform IUSF that you are calling an ambulance and have them clear the track and open all gates to the track.  The ambulance will drive directly onto the track and to the location of the patient.

       

                          EMT Calling IUPD for an Ambulance     Ambulance Loading Patient at Bill Armstrong Stadium

 

 Weather

    Weather during the Little 500 season varies to all extremes.  While IUSF cancels practices and events in

 the case of severe weather, they still at times host practices and events during relatively harsh weather, and

 IU-EMS workers must be prepared for such weather in order to successfully fulfill their role.

    At the start of the season, it is not uncommon for riders to practice in frigid temperatures with snow on the

 ground (but with the track cleared).  In addition, Bill Armstrong Stadium's location and the nature of the flat,

 open design drastically reduces the apparent temperature, mostly due to wind chill.  In other words, it often

 feels up to 30 degrees colder at the stadium than elsewhere on campus, and remember that workers will be

 stationary in this environment for several hours.  Strong wind and rain are common throughout the duration

 of the entire season.

    On the other hand, late in the season temperatures can get very high, and the same nature of the stadium

 that dropped the apparent temperature earlier can now raise it due to lack of shade and much reflective

 metal and concrete.  Heat and sunlight have been especially harsh during the actual races in previous years.

    The following tips will help in the event of extreme weather conditions:

  • Cold

    • Wear several layers of clothing, including socks, pants or shorts, and shirts.  You can always take layers off if you become too hot, but you cannot put more on if you do not have them!  UnderArmour or a similar material is highly recommended.

    • Wear accessories such as gloves, hats, earmuffs, and scarves, as long as they will not interfere with patient care.

    • Bring extra layers and accessories in a backpack.

    • Sweatshirts, jackets, hats, and blankets may be available in the bike shop, but are not guaranteed.

    • Bring hot coffee, cocoa, or tea in a thermos.

    • You may bring pocket hand warmers, but these are not a substitute for the above tips.  They will not warm your entire body!

  • Rain/Snow

    • Wear a waterproof outer layer, especially waterproof boots.  The field becomes very muddy during rain.

    • Using the tent is strongly encouraged to improve patient care and to protect equipment and paperwork (see below).

  • Wind

    • Using the tent is strongly encouraged to improve patient care and to protect equipment and paperwork if the wind is not strong enough to blow the tent over (see below).

  • Heat/Sun

    • Wear lightweight clothing and minimize layers.  UnderArmour (although it is an extra layer) is highly recommended because it actually keeps you cooler.

    • Stay well hydrated.  Bring a bottle of water or a sports drink.  Do not bring soda or coffee as these will dehydrate you.

    • Wear strong sunscreen!  The sun is much harsher at the stadium, and every year many of our members get very sunburned at the races because they underestimate the increased strength of the sun!

  • Track Hotline

        IUSF maintains a track hotline for cancelling practices and events due to adverse weather.

     The number is 812-855-7223, extension 2.  Store this number in your cell phone!  You are

     responsible for calling this number if you suspect a practice or event will be cancelled.

     IU-EMS or IUSF will not contact you to inform you of cancellations.

  • Tent

        A tent is available in the bike shop for workers to use during adverse weather.  Typically, it

     can be used if the news-reported temperature drops below 50 degrees, if it is snowing or

     raining, or in the case of mild wind (strong wind will blow it over, causing a hazard).  Use of

     the tent in these situations is encouraged if it will improve patient care and protect

     equipment, but the tent is admittedly difficult to assemble and disassemble, so it is the

     workers' discretion to use it or not.

  • Heater

        A heater is available to use inside of the tent if the news-reported temperature drops below 50 degrees.  Doing so will not only keep the environment inside the tent comfortable, but will also improve patient care.  Only use the heater if the tent is completely enclosed by its plastic sides, and ensure that the cord is not in a hazardous position, that there are no flammable materials on or near the heater or the cord, and that nothing is blocking the heather's airflow.

  • Press Box

       IU-EMS personnel are not permitted to use the press box as in previous years due to change in IUSF policy.

       

                            EMTs Dressed for Cold Weather                             First Aiders Using IUSF Blanket

 

               

           Officers Assembling the Tent                             Heater                                       Heater Control Panel

 

 Sunglasses

    It is highly encouraged for all workers to bring sunglasses if they work the second practice shift or work at

 an event that will last late into the afternoon.  The setting sun casts a strong glare onto the stadium, which is

 highly intensified by the stadium's metal and concrete and the riders' bicycles and helmets.  In other words, it

 is very difficult, sometimes impossible, to see the entire track without sunglasses.  However, remember to

 remove them when assessing and treating patients.

 

EMTs & First Aiders Wearing Sunglasses

 Races

    The following protocols apply to the actual IUSF Little 500 men's and women's races:

  • Always stay with your partner(s)!

  • Remove your hat during the national anthem and stand facing the Color Guard on the infield.

  • Never respond to a call in the crowd at the base of the south stands without an IUPD escort.

  • Always stay in your assigned area unless directed otherwise by a supervisor or an officer.

  • Roaming teams must check the restrooms and the areas behind the stands on a regular basis.

  • EMTs stationed on the infield must follow the direction of the BHAS EMT or paramedic that they are partnered with.

       

                               Two EMT-First Aider Teams                                         Crowd at Base of South Stands

 

 

IUSF Little 500 at Bill Armstrong Stadium

 

 

IUSF Little 500 Practices 2007

 

Return to Little 500

 

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