The psychology of oversharing in medical tents.
I volunteer in the medical tents for NYRR races at least two to three times a year. Being a runner myself, I’ve gone through my highs and lows, and I’ve battled the injuries that come with the sport.
I started running in my second year of undergrad after I failed a few courses. Running was a way to relieve the stress. It became more serious in grad school, and now it’s a healthy part of my lifestyle.
For those who don’t know, NYRR stands for New York Road Runners. They organize races in New York. One of their programs is called [9+1]. It’s a simple concept: if you run nine qualifying races and volunteer at one, you earn guaranteed entry into next year’s NYC Marathon. As a certified EMT in New York State, I use this opportunity to volunteer and get my “+1.” The other volunteer spots are pretty competitive.
In my experiences in the medical tents, I’ve had a mix of funny, bad, good, and not-so-great moments. I’ve seen people yell over simple scratches, pass out at the finish line, and scream in pain due to cramps. But one thing I haven’t been able to wrap my head around is the nature of patients oversharing everything.
Every time I’ve treated someone, they end up talking not just about their injuries but pretty much everything else we medics don’t even ask about. I’ve had three people in serious pain and crying tell me, “They trust me” and just want to be treated soon.
Why does this happen?
I wonder if it’s the same phenomenon as a stranger at the airport, where people talk freely and then never meet again. Maybe it’s because, in a medical tent, people are vulnerable. They’re hurting, scared, and looking for comfort. As a medic, I’m a stranger, yes, but I’m also someone who can help them in a moment of need. That creates a strange kind of trust.
Being in a medical setting, even a temporary one like a tent at a race, makes people feel safe enough to let their guard down. They might feel like they can share more because there’s no judgment. We are here to help, not to judge. It’s a brief but intense connection, one where they might feel that talking can help ease their discomfort.
Another factor might be the emotional high or low they’re experiencing. Running can be a very emotional sport. Finishing a race, whether it’s a marathon or a 5K, brings a lot of emotions to the surface. When those emotions mix with physical pain, people might just start talking to cope with what they’re feeling.
Diving Deeper into the Psychology
One key factor is the stress and anxiety people feel during these races. Running a race, especially something as challenging as a marathon, puts the body and mind under significant pressure. When people are stressed, they often seek comfort and reassurance. In the context of a medical tent, that comfort comes from the medics.
Medical professionals, even in a temporary setup like a race tent, represent safety and care. This perceived safety can trigger what’s known as the “tend-and-befriend” response. Unlike the “fight-or-flight” response, tend-and-befriend is about seeking social alliances and support when under stress. People might share more about themselves because they instinctively seek to form a quick bond with someone who can help them feel safe.
There’s also the factor of anonymity. When people talk to a medic in a race tent, they know that this interaction is temporary. They will likely never see the medic again. This anonymity can make people feel freer to share details they might otherwise keep to themselves. It’s similar to how some people open up to strangers in a bar or on a plane — the temporary nature of the interaction makes it feel safe to share more personal information.
Furthermore, the act of talking itself can be therapeutic. When people are in pain or distress, talking about their feelings and experiences can provide relief. It’s a way to externalize their worries and fears, which can make them feel more manageable. In a high-stress environment like a race, this need to talk and be heard becomes even more pronounced.
As medics, our role goes beyond just treating physical injuries. We become temporary confidants, providing not just medical care but also emotional support. This dual role is essential in helping runners cope with the intense physical and emotional demands of the race.
In the end, oversharing in medical tents might be a way for people to process what they’re going through. It’s a stressful and intense environment, and sharing their thoughts and feelings can be a way to handle that stress. As a medic, I listen because sometimes, that’s as much a part of the treatment as any bandage or ice pack.
So, if you find yourself in a medical tent, whether as a volunteer or a patient, don’t be surprised if you hear more than just symptoms. It’s a place where, in the middle of the chaos, people find a brief moment of connection and trust.
