ABSTRACT
Background: International sports competitions are one of the mass gathering events which require a well-planned medical care system for large numbers of participants. The Universiade, the World University Games, is organized for university athletes every two years. Methods: The medical service organization was presented and the medical care for injuries and illnesses provided during the 24th Summer Universiade were described. Results: During 1 to 23 August 2007, a total of 5,641 patients aged 12-89 years (including 1,700 athletes) received medical care. There were 2,535 cases (44.9%) using the Athletes’ Village Polyclinic, 2,755 cases (48.8%) using the on-site medical units, and 351 cases (6.2%) using Thammasat Hospital. For the patients presented at the Athletes’ Village Polyclinic, muscle strain was the most common injury (n=287, 34.1%), and musculoskeletal system problems were the most common illnesses (n= 484, 27.33%). Nineteen patients required hospital admission at Thammasat Hospital. Conclusion: This information might be useful for planning medical services in international multi-sport competitions in the future.