IVR Systems Allow Spectators to Monitor Runners' Medical Status

At the 2010 ING New York City Marathon, onlookers will be able to monitor the medical status of any runner using an IVR application developed by Plum Voice and New York Road Runners. By requesting information about an athlete’s status on the course by calling an 800 number and identifying the runner by bib number or name, spectators can have access to the medical status of the runner regardless of where he or she is in the race.

This system eliminates the need for spectators to try to contact marathon officials or wander through medical tents, and it’s offered in six different languages. The IVR application also notifies the spectator if the runner does not complete the race, was discharged after receiving medical attention, or was sent to a hospital. A transfer to a live help desk gives the spectator more details as to where the runner was sent if he or she was brought to a hospital.

Andrew Kuan, chief executive officer, Plum Voice stated, “Plum Voice’s hosted IVR services will support the Marathon’s underlying data infrastructure by providing all the IVR technology and telecommunications to support large events like the ING New York City Marathon…Because cell phones are ubiquitous, a voice application provides the easiest way for Marathon spectators to get information about a runner.”

Plum Voice offers cost-effective and reliable IVR systems to small and large businesses around the globe. The company is a single-source provider of automated telephony solutions, and provides 24/7 support for its scalable IVR systems. Stuart Weiss, medical director for the ING New York City Marathon and New York Road Runners said, “How best to communicate the status of a runner to their family and friends in a clear and timely manner is a key goal for the medical team this year. We feel the IVR solution will contribute positively to those efforts.”

Juliana Kenny graduated from the University of Connecticut with a double degree in English and French. After managing a small company for two years, she joined TMC (News - Alert) as a Web Editor for TMCnet. Juliana currently focuses on the call center and CRM industries, but she also writes about cloud telephony and network gear including softswitches.

Edited by Juliana Kenny