Tokyo, March 2, 2025 – Thousands of runners and spectators gathered at the prestigious Tokyo Marathon 2025, demanding optimal medical preparedness. At the forefront of health security, the medical team from Kokushikan University played a crucial role in ensuring participant safety, including the involvement of Dr. Ali Haedar, Sp.EM, KPEC, FAHA, FICEP, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, and a consultant emergency specialist at Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital Malang.
As part of Kokushikan University’s Medical Standby Team, Dr. Ali Haedar participated in medical operations consisting of paramedic students, paramedics, nurses, and doctors. This team was stationed at various strategic points along the marathon route, ready to respond to a range of medical conditions.
“We deployed First Aid Teams along the route to provide a rapid response to health incidents. Additionally, the Mobile First Aid Team, consisting of paramedics on bicycles, enabled quick access to areas difficult for ambulances to reach,” explained Dr. Ali Haedar in an exclusive interview.
With the Medical Control Room directly connected to the Tokyo Fire Department, emergency response coordination was highly effective. “This system allows us to monitor every incident in real-time and ensure seamless patient transfers to hospitals,” he added.
One of the primary challenges faced during this event was the increasing number of cases due to high temperatures, including heatstroke and dehydration. Additionally, the medical team successfully managed two cases of cardiac arrest with swift intervention through the use of AEDs. “This success highlights the importance of public education on AED accessibility in emergency situations,” said Dr. Ali Haedar.
Beyond the experience of handling medical cases, participation in Tokyo Marathon 2025 provided valuable insights for future improvements. According to Dr. Ali Haedar, several aspects that need enhancement include inter-unit communication platforms, public awareness of hydration and heatstroke prevention, and the optimization of medical resource allocation.
Currently, Dr. Ali Haedar is undertaking a Research Fellowship at the Research Institute of Disaster Management and Emergency Medical System, Kokushikan University, Tokyo, while pursuing a Ph.D. in Emergency Medicine at the same university. His experience in major events like the Tokyo Marathon serves as a vital part of his research in Prehospital Emergency Care and Disaster Medicine.
“We are not only providing medical services but also fostering a culture of safety and preparedness in every major event. I am proud to be part of Kokushikan University’s Medical Team at Tokyo Marathon 2025,” he concluded.
Through active participation in various international activities, Dr. Ali Haedar not only brings pride to Indonesia but also continues to contribute to the development of emergency medical systems on a global scale. (dr. Ali For PR FMUB)