Medical Support - 2009 Great Escapade
About this page
Find out what is provided and what is not provided.
We will pride ourselves on providing you with the most appropriate care on the 2009 Great Escapade.
Medical - The Care Team
We would love it if no one visited the Care Team on the Ride. However, if you do, we are running a bulk billing system so you will need to bring your Medicare Number .
How to prevent a visit to the Care Team
Most medical conditions we see are preventable, especially dehydration. You must continue to drink water when you are riding and if you are riding with kids, encourage them to drink regularly.
Delay your start if you're not feeling well
In the past, there were a number of people who attended the Ride with gastro symptoms. One time, we had 12 cases on the first day. We had to transport these people forward to other Campsites for isolation. If you are not well before the Ride, please delay your arrival until you are better. We need to look after the whole Ride Community and need you to help us do this. Please delay your start to the Ride if you are experiencing any symptoms of gastro, flu or similar contagious illnesses.
Existing Medical Conditions
If you currently take any medication or have any existing medical conditions, you must bring your medication with you and we strongly encourage you to check with your physician before the 2009 Great Escapade to make sure that you are well prepared.
Medication requiring refrigeration
For medication that needs refrigeration, the Campsite Care Team can carry a limited amount for you from Campsite to Campsite. Please report to the Care Team at the Start Site.
Emergencies on the Road
We have two emergency numbers you can call on the 2009 Great Escapade. They will be in your Ride Guide and one will be on your 2009 Great Escapade Ride Passport. Please call these to contact the Route Operations Centre to report any incidents to activate a Great Escapade Team response.
In the case of incidents where you believe Police, Fire or Ambulance are required, please call 000 as a priority. Then call one of the 2008 Great Escapade Emergency Numbers to make a report.
Call for people with Medical Skills
Our CareTeam will be looking for some spare specialist skills that may be required during the 2009 Great Escapade. Such as orthopedics, respiratory specialists, counsellors, etc. If you are happy to be included in a contact list as a resource for the Headquarters Team and Medical Team on the Ride, please email us your details, including contact number on the Ride and your area of specialty. Contact us and put 'Medical Support - 2009 Great Escapade' as the subject. We probably won't need you, but as we pass through remote areas it would be great to know the resources that we have around us.
Hospital Transport
We are likely to be transporting some Ride Participants to and from the local hospitals during the 2009 Great Escapade. If you need go to a Hospital during the Ride, in a non-emergency situation, our Care Team may be able to arrange transport for you. Non-Emergency Hospital Transport will be at times designated by the Campsite Care Team.
Where the transport drop off or pick up is suitable, we may be able to transport you. However, you are responsible for your own transport. Where we are able to help by transporting you, we will. If we are not able to include your trip in our schedule of trips, you will need to arrange your own transport back to Campsite or accommodation at your own cost. Times will be available from the Campsite Care Team.
Look after yourself and each other
If we do need to use any of the above responses, it means someone is having an experience we don't want them to have. So, look after yourself and each other, obey the road laws, ride within your limits and help those around you. The Ride is a wonderful community of people, so let's all work together and have a fantastic adventure!
