Bandage, massage and a hug please!

It's no walk in the park being a first aid volunteer at the world's longest annual flat-water canoe race.

The 60 first aid volunteers at the 2004 Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon had their hands full yesterday treating 66 paddlers on the first day of the 404km race up the Murray River.

The day proved difficult for many paddlers with gusty winds being a harder obstacle than anticipated. Average finishing times were down 30 minutes from last year's event.

"The main problem so far has been inflammation of the paddler's wrists", says Brett Fraser, Team Leader for the Health Support Team.

"With winds as strong as they were yesterday, the paddlers hold on to their oars a lot stronger than normally. Combined with sitting in a canoe for six-seven hours straight, some of the paddlers are in pain so they need medical attention as well as some tender, loving and care from their ground crews".

"With 748 competitors between the ages of 13-71, first aid is a major component of the event" says John Powell, Group Fundraising Manager Red Cross Victoria. Marathon veteran Rod Clarke, of Echuka agrees, saying that "off cause you get some blisters, and your wrists will hurt a bit, but it's just a part of the sport. The marathon is a great a great way to keep fit, and we are in good hands with so many first aid crews around".

An average day temperature of over 30 degrees in last years event resulted in more than 3500 treatments by the First Aid teams, with many paddlers receiving treatment several times.

"2003 was incredibly hard for the paddlers" says Brett Fraser. "Our stretchers were full every day with paddlers being given drops to battle dehydration and heat exhaustion. Interestingly most are back again this year, so they must love it".

This year, the First Aid Teams, consist of 1 doctor, 3 paramedics, 6 nurses, 40 first aiders and 15 masseuses all donating their time and skill for the cause.

Interviews with Red Cross First Aid volunteers and pictures are available upon request.

- ENDS -

Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon
Fast Facts

* The Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon is the longest internationally accredited canoeing event in the world.

* The five-day Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon event attracts up to 800 paddlers and 3,000 officials, land crew, media and supporters from around the globe.

* The Red Cross-Herald Sun Murray Marathon covers 404km of Murray River, starting in Yarrawonga on 27 December and finishing five days later on 31 December in Swan Hill:
o DAY ONE: Yarrawonga to Tocumwal, 92km
o DAY TWO: Yarrawonga to Tocumwal, 92km (repeated in 2004 event)
o DAY THREE: Picnic Point to Echuca, 78km
o DAY FOUR: Echuca to Torrumbarry, 62km
o DAY FIVE: Murrabit to Swan Hill, 76km

* The event is wholly owned and organised by the Australian Red Cross. Funds raised during the marathon are channelled back into the provision of vital community programs and emergency services provided by the Australian Red Cross, including Patient Transport, Emergency First Aid, Registration and Catering.

* The Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon attempts to raise $200,000 in 2004, through competitor contribution, the Murray Marathon Raffle where the prize is a car, and corporate sponsorship.

* All paddlers receive participant medals at the Red Cross Herald Sun Murray Marathon finish line in Swan Hill.

* Awards given in 2003:
o Mark Thornthwaite Award:  Named after the events founder to commemorate Mark's incredible effort and spirit of giving. 2003 recipient: Bill Robinson
o Handicap Winner Margaret Baker Trophy. In honour of former two time winner and long time marathon supporter, Margaret Baker. 2003 recipient: Tom Simmat with a time of 23:44:05
o Outright Fastest Time (Yarrawonga Hotel Trophy) Kim Willocks and Dave Provan with a time of 27:59:41.

For more details contact:
Lars Nielsen
Marketing and Communications
Mobile 0403 368 229

Danielle Ramsey
Marketing and Communications
Mobile 0407 514 192