Ironman Australia Port Macquarie medical services director Dr Dawn Martin said the cold start to the day meant that some athletes had to be treated for hypothermia after the swim leg was completed. 

Later on as the sun came out, Dr Martin said athletes were treated for dehydration. 

By 2pm, about 30 people had received some form of medical assistance.

Dr Martin said there had also been a couple of bike collisions. She said at one point their resources were stretched, as incidents happened at the same time. 

Dr Martin said the number of people who were treated represented an average amount compared to previous years. 

About 50 nurses, 30 doctors and hundreds of medical students were rostered on  to help assist athletes throughout the event. 

Dr Martin said a lot of the athletes were treated for issues related to pre-existing conditions, including asthma and chest pain. 

“Some athletes came to us who were unwell last week, and needed assistance because of it,” she said. 

Dr Martin said generally all the athletes prepare well for the event, and they know how to keep themselves hydrated and energised. 

She said there was ‘great banter’ in the medical tent between the athletes and everyone was very grateful for the medical assistance they obtained. 

Charles Sturt University paramedic students Mikayla Petruccelli and Ryan Birchall are in their first year of study and said working at the Ironman event was a great experience. 

Mikayla said she was rostered on for two shifts from 10am until 1.30pm and then from 5pm until 8.30pm. 

In her first shift she helped out in the recovery section and gave food and drinks to athletes. 

Ryan was rostered on to work in the pre-massage assessment area. He said it was busy but athletes were very talkative. 

Ryan said a lot of athletes suffer from cramping. 

“There were a few who came in and looked a bit worse for wear, but we helped them out and they were extremely grateful for that assistance,” he said.