I was told that 4 died during the ride due to heat exhaustion, but never have seen confirmation. A Sheriff told me one was life flighted from Webster for a stroke, but don’t know how that turned out. My friend in Sac City, said the hospital was full and they were shipping people off elsewhere, which could cause delay in fatality disclosures. No facts. Just what I heard.

Posted 10 months, 3 weeks ago ago #268782

To set the record straight, there were no (zero) fatalities on RAGBRAI. We have the best safety team in the land. The Iowa State Patrol, RAGBRAI Medical Team in Care Ambulance, SAG drivers, Iowa Air National Guard, local law enforcement and EMS and riders that help others out.

• This reply was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by  TJ Juskiewicz.

Posted 10 months, 3 weeks ago ago #269047

TJ Juskiewicz:
To set the record straight, there were no (zero) fatalities on RAGBRAI.We have the best safety team in the land.The Iowa State Patrol, RAGBRAI Medical Team in Care Ambulance, SAG drivers, Iowa Air National Guard, local law enforcement and EMS and riders that help others out.

That is outstanding news! Congratulations on yet another fantastic event TJ. BTW, the motorcycles added a few years ago were a great idea for first response care.

Keep up the good work!

Davy

Posted 10 months, 3 weeks ago ago #269059

With all due respect how can anyone be sure if there are fatalities or not? Two on our team were missing – we called everyone we could think of – or number we could find and got no help. They were unable to sag because of the overload-they had heat exhaustion and just about every technical problem possible. They finally got picked up by a farmer and driven in. People come and go on the ride and no one is checking to see if they complete it or not. According to a RAGBRAI official once a rider goes to the hospital because of HIPPA they don’t know what happens. In Webster City a woman fell in the bathroom, was disoriented and didn’t know who she was – she was picked up by the EMTs does anyone know her outcome? I can see where it could be very easy to be lost in the enormous crowds – Ragbrai officials don’t know where people camp much less if they complete the ride. Almost every member of our group experienced heat exhaustion – we were lucky – we looked after each other (and had a doctor and nurse in the group) but others were not so lucky we saw lots of people experiencing heat exhaustion. I’m not trying to be negative, I respect the amount of planning and the logistical fete that Ragbrai is but I’m not so sure that we can say with complete certainty that these rumors aren’t true.

Posted 10 months, 3 weeks ago ago #269243

The RAGBRAI Medical Team is in contact with the hospitals all along the way. I am sure if there were a death associated with RAGBRAI the medical team would know. Rumors are best left to the rumor-mongers.

RIDE RIGHT Shawndev is correct, if people die it is news.

Posted 10 months, 3 weeks ago ago #269259

TJ Juskiewicz:
To set the record straight, there were no (zero) fatalities on RAGBRAI.We have the best safety team in the land.The Iowa State Patrol, RAGBRAI Medical Team in Care Ambulance, SAG drivers, Iowa Air National Guard, local law enforcement and EMS and riders that help others out.

Thank you!!!

Posted 10 months, 3 weeks ago ago #269359