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All quiet on medical front at MIT Commencement

June 10, 2009

There wasn’t a whole lot to do at Commencement this year—and that’s just the way they like it in the first aid tent. MIT Medical staff including two doctors, a nurse, a paramedic and nine student EMTs were ready in case any of the approximately 10,000 people on Killian Court had a medical problem.

The tent was stocked with first aid supplies as well as IV solutions for dehydration and low blood sugar, a cardiac monitor, and four beds.

The handful of patients who visited the tent on June 5 had minor problems such as a nosebleed, an upset stomach, or a sore shoulder, said triage nurse Lynn Forgues. In past years, the medical staff has treated guests with more serious problems such as chest pain and even a collapsed lung, as well as the effects of hot or cold weather (the staff has heating and cooling fans on hand and plenty of water). Not this year, though; Commencement Day was cool and cloudy. “This is perfect,” said Forgues, gazing skyward.

The most frequent medical complaint seen each year in the first aid tent? “Sprained ankles and blisters from walking on grass in those brand-new stylish summer shoes,” said paramedic Mark Forgues (Lynn’s husband and the trainer of the student EMTs).

The biggest medical question at this year’s Commencement was whether the graduates would get to shake hands with the people giving them their diplomas. Harvard University, which had its Commencement the day before MIT’s, decided not to offer handshakes, citing concerns over the possible spread of H1N1 influenza. MIT compromised: each graduate got a handshake—and a tiny packet of hand sanitizer.