Racer’s Safety Focus of GRMC EMS Team at Tour of the Gila

“There are a total of 7 races in the Tour of the Gila and each has an ambulance following. Plus there are 2 more ambulances dedicated to serving race spectators,” stated Rob Ramirez of GRMC EMS.

During the 5 days of racing, there will be a team of 9 ambulances, 3 Polaris "Rhino" ATVs, 26 EMT's and Paramedics, 10 Volunteer Fire Departments, 8 nurses, 2 doctors, 2 P.A.s, and 2 to 3 first aid stations. “The majority of these health care workers are volunteering their services to cover this two county race,” Don McNutt, Director of Gila Regional’s EMS Services said, “ We have ‘all hands on deck’ for this event.”

Donated assistance from outside Grant County includes 3 staffed ambulances from ELITE medical transport and 1 staffed ambulance from Deming Fire Department.

The aid stations will be located at the finish lines. The Rhino's will be used at the finish lines to get through the crowds. There are no base camps. EMS crews will be briefed every morning at 06:30 as to the day’s events and assignments. New Mexico Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been brought in to assist with communications. Aid tents will be at the finish lines. We also have Southwest MedEvac dedicating a helicopter for the race.