EMS medical coverage at PGA tour events.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the availability and level of medical services for fans at Professional Golfer Association (PGA) Tour events.

METHODS: A questionnaire, written in cooperation with PGA Tour headquarters, was sent to the tournament director of each PGA Tour event that hosted same-site events in 1998 and 1999. The survey addressed five areas of fan medical services: 1) health care provider availability; 2) advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) capabilities, including equipment; 3) presence of on-site ambulance(s); 4) fan fatalities; and 5) alcohol consumption limitations.

RESULTS: Survey response was 92% (36/39). Health care providers were on site at all PGA Tour events: physicians (97%), emergency medical technicians [EMTs (78%)], nurses (75%), and paramedics (64%). A combination of health care providers was used at 94% of PGA Tour events. Ninety-seven percent of PGA Tour events had at least one ACLS-certified provider present along with ACLS equipment. Ambulances were on site at 89% of PGA Tour events and a hospital was located within 5-10 miles at 92% of events. Three of the PGA Tour events reported having one fan fatality through the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Seventy-eight percent of the PGA Tour events imposed regulations to limit alcohol consumption and sales. Methods included: restricted sale locations (56%); limits on alcohol sale (50%); advertisement for responsible alcohol consumption (33%); crowd conduct (28%).

CONCLUSIONS: All PGA Tour events provided medical services for fans and 97% had ACLS capabilities. To promote fan safety and viewing etiquette, responsible alcohol consumption was a recognized priority at 78% of PGA Tour events.