During the September 26, 2026, UT football game in Knoxville, emergency medical services and receiving facilities participated in a patient tracking exercise. The exercise followed patients from the initial EMS encounter through transport, arrival, and final disposition.
Twelve game-related patients were transported. A review of the tracking system found 13 records, including one apparent duplicate. Some records also lacked confirmation of patient arrival or a final disposition.
The exercise showed the importance of entering each patient once and updating the record at every step. Confirming arrival and documenting disposition help partners account for patients throughout an incident. Information about whether family members are present can also support reunification efforts during a larger emergency.
By comparing tracking records with actual transports, regional partners identified ways to improve the process. Continued exercises at large events will strengthen coordination and readiness for mass casualty incidents and other emergencies.