• Andrew H Swain, Amanda Weaver, Alasdair J Gray, Mark Bailey, and Stephen G Palmer.
• Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, University of Otago, Wellington 6242, New Zealand. andrew.swain@otago.ac.nz
• N. Z. Med. J. 2013 Apr 5;126(1372):12-24.

AimsA prospective analysis was undertaken of the workload of prehospital triage and treatment facilities established in Wellington for the 2011 and 2012 International Rugby Sevens, and the Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC). The introduction of an alcohol intoxication pathway, the impact of the initiative on ambulance and Emergency Department (ED) workload, and its cost effectiveness were assessed.MethodsA log of patients seen and their diagnoses and treatment was maintained. An alcohol questionnaire was completed when applicable. Patients intoxicated with alcohol were managed in accordance with a flowchart designed for paramedic use. Costs and savings were calculated.ResultsHalf the patients were New Zealanders. The average age was 25 years with a slight female preponderance (52.9% female). 30% were students. Alcohol was a contributory or causative factor for the patient's attendance in 80-90% of cases. Approximately 60% of the 121 patients seen at the last two events would have had to be transferred to the ED in the absence of the treatment centre. Cost savings for the ambulance service and ED for the RWC and 2012 Sevens are estimated to be NZ$70,000. No adverse clinical event was identified.ConclusionsWith minimal supervision, event medics and paramedics can safely care for the majority of patients attending large rugby events in New Zealand, easing the pressure on ambulances and the ED, and generating significant cost savings for those services.

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