Mardi Gras and Medicine!

Monthly Community Service Hours Completed: February 4.5 hours

Cumulative Spring Semester Hours Completed: 13 hours

Mardi Gras has always been one of my favorite times growing up in south Louisiana. Many days are spent dancing to zydeco or New Orleans bounce music and eating king cake and crawfish. I suppose it would not be unheard of to mention you might spend some time running—like to catch the best beads from the float or to catch a chicken (if you’re spending Courir de Mardi Gras in Church Point!) But this year I learned of a new tradition—the Mardi Gras Mambo 15k in Baton Rouge. 

I served on the medical team for this race. Each group was spread throughout the route and posted in case there would be a need for medical intervention. My partner and I were stationed at the turn around point (which happened to be the halfway point.) We carried around a red backpack with basic first aid equipment as well as emergent airway adjuncts and supplies specified to runners such as glucose packs. Fortunately, there were no injuries or adverse events and we were able to enjoy watching the runners and cheering them on. It was exciting to be at this specific point because the runners were instantly boosted with excitement as they realized their progress through the route. 

This race was especially exciting to help with as many if the runners were wearing Mardi Gras costumes or at least purple, green, and gold. It was also rewarding being able to combine two of my passions in order to help people—Mardi Gras and medicine. 

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