Sturgis Regional Hospital Readies for the Motorcycle Rally

Nearly one million people are expected for the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally August 3-9, this year.

A daunting number to be sure. But the Sturgis Regional Hospital is working on doing everything it can to be ready.

Mark Schulte, the CEO of Sturgis Regional Hospital says during the rally the hospital will see about the same number of patients as it would typically see in a month.

According to Sculte, "It's kind of like taking one of our busy months and scrunching it down into 10 days."

Because it's the 75th anniversary of the rally, the hospital is expecting to see a larger number of just generally sick patients with dehydration, cardiac distress and the typical crowd of overly intoxicated folks.

Schulte also predicts Regional Hospital's affiliates in Lead-Deadwood, Custer and Spearfish also will be busier this year.

Then the question of "What ifs" comes into play. What if bad weather strikes the large population base during the rally? Or what if a terrorist act was to happen during the rally?

These are all precautions the Sturgis Hospital and its affiliates in the area are planning for.

Gridlock is also a concern, according to Schulte.

"If we do get the populations they are estimating, and we have either staff that can't get here or potentially supplies, we have a plan for that," he said. "We have alternative routes and alternative delivery times."

Life Flight helicopters are often used to transport those injured in accidents during the rally. Because of the larger crowds expected this year, a third Life Flight helicopter will be brought in.

The plan is to have all three helicopters stationed in different areas throughout the rally.

To date, Sturgis Regional has been able to handle the situation without adding much additional staff during rally week. About 120 staff members will be on hand according to Schulte. Those that usually work part time are asked to work full time during rally week.

The hospital is also planning on bringing in two additional temporary physicians who will primarily cover the night shifts.

Here's to hoping this years rally is a fun, safe, memorable one for everyone who plans on attending.

It's also comforting to know that so many people are doing everything in their power to help ensure it will be just that.

Source: Watertown Public Opinion