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I am glad Taiwo Awoniyi is fine following the head collision during a league game. Many thanks also to the medical team for their timely intervention. However what are the lessons we can learn as a nation from pitch side medical care as seen in leagues such as the bundesliga?
Below are some points worth highlighting:
1. The on-field/field of play medical and the Mainz medical team will have had formal training and certification in prehospital care in sports. In fact, a medical degree alone is insufficient training in this regards. Thus, our sporting
1. The on-field/field of play medical and the Mainz medical team will have had formal training and certification in prehospital care in sports. In fact, a medical degree alone is insufficient training in this regards. Thus, our sporting
organizations in collaborations with health organizations must ensure that any health care professional working in sports must be trained in this regard. It’s important to reteirate that even the so called stetcher team must be trained and certified in pitch side care .
2. Pitch side medical equipments were available and in good condition. The minimum equipment that the on-field medical team must have are: a rigid spinal immobilization board with straps, FIFA medical emergency bag or equivalent, a scoop/strokes basket stretcher and an automated
external defribillator .
3. The referees and coaches must also be trained in basic pitch side care. For instance, a refree must at least be able to recognize concussion and signal to the medical team on the bench .
4. There was a dedicated ICU ambulance which was appropriately
3. The referees and coaches must also be trained in basic pitch side care. For instance, a refree must at least be able to recognize concussion and signal to the medical team on the bench .
4. There was a dedicated ICU ambulance which was appropriately
staff with qualified and experienced health personnel trained in out of hospital advanced life support.
5. Prior to the use of the ambulance, the venue medical officer(usually assigned by the league mgt board) must ensure that: there is a full tank with petrol/diesel,
5. Prior to the use of the ambulance, the venue medical officer(usually assigned by the league mgt board) must ensure that: there is a full tank with petrol/diesel,
tyre pressures are in good condition, water and oil levels are fine, radio communications are intact etc. This can be done with the match commissioner depending on league protocol .
6. The field of play/on field medical team will have been expected to have a dress rehearsal.i.e
6. The field of play/on field medical team will have been expected to have a dress rehearsal.i.e
at least two hours before the game they must simulate how they will respond to a pitch side care. This rehearsal helps to also define individual roles of each member of the team. For instance, the person that will be in charge of neck immobilization must be aware.
7. Confidentiality is key. At no point should any medical staff involved in an event divulge any information concerning injury or illness to members of the public or media. If any information must be given, the club is expected to give an official statement.
8. traffic agencies and the police must be carried along. If required, a police escort must be available to help in decongesting traffic when a player is going to the hospital .
9. In leagues such as the Bundesliga players health is a top priority. This must never be left to chance. It’s high time sports medicine and science becomes a core aspect of sports development policy in Nigeria.
Finally, going forward @summitorthong a leading orthopedics and sports medicine practice based in Lagos will be organizing a webinar on recognition and management of concussion in sports. This meeting is for health care professionals working in sports, coaches and parents.
A top emergency care physician who works with the British Boxing Board of Control will be our guest on the 27th of June. It is our desire that meetings of this nature will help in building sports medicine capacity in Nigeria. Do have a great weeks