Trainers/Emergency personal at Tournaments

[jefff]

Being involved with both Travel softball and HS softball over the last 3+ years, I have witness some bad accidents on the field with injuries to the girls mainly due increased power of balls being hit, the speed of the game and how athletic the girls are becoming within the game.

So, why at a tournament where we pay outrageous fees to play 4 games to organizers for fields (most substandard) and officials (another topic) that they cannot have a trainer or an emergency person on site in case of injuries, etc? For the two days, the cost could not be that much and the benefits would be so much needed.

Being involved with Club Volleyball, every tournament had some one on site. Playing in major club baseball tournaments (JOs, Showcases, etc) someone was there overseeing the athletes and making sure they were iced, taped, etc and being there in case of an emergency.

This weekend at the USSSA , a pitcher gets hit with a line drive into her stomach and between the chaos of not having a tournament person quickly or taking control and calling the paramedics, just having someone with some true training would have been something of value considering the profit these groups make. I have not gone to ASA nationals but would hope they would have someone on site.

Would anyone agree with me or it this just the way things are done? Until some really gets hurt, then someone from these organizations may react and that is not good.

[watcher]

$$$$$ + $$$$$ = greed

[hit4power]

It depends on the tourney. DD's HS team played at Disney World over spring break. There were at least two trainers (one was an EMT) on site every day. In addition to being there for emergencies, they provided ice packs and cool down/post game stretching help for those that wanted it. I would also agree with your observation about volleyball. When DD played club it seem liked there was always a first aid station set up at the facility with someone manning it. Just this spring, I've seen a broken ankle, broken leg, broken finger, heat exhaustion, and a bunch of twisted this and sprained that, but I've never seen an organized first aid response, it's always just the coaches and a parent or two. Maybe it's tme we got our act together...

[noclu13]

Haven't played there for a few years but the Canada Cup always had EMT's at every site. I also believe that the Champions Cup in LA has had trainers or EMT's in the past. My DD broke her wrist 4 years ago and there was some type of medical person on site.
I can't swear to this but I believe that there are medical personell of some type at the Rising Stars in Florida.
I think it is something that should be available at every tournament.

[Joe]

Being involved with both Travel softball and HS softball over the last 3+ years, I have witness some bad accidents on the field with injuries to the girls mainly due increased power of balls being hit, the speed of the game and how athletic the girls are becoming within the game.

So, why at a tournament where we pay outrageous fees to play 4 games to organizers for fields (most substandard) and officials (another topic) that they cannot have a trainer or an emergency person on site in case of injuries, etc? For the two days, the cost could not be that much and the benefits would be so much needed.

Being involved with Club Volleyball, every tournament had some one on site. Playing in major club baseball tournaments (JOs, Showcases, etc) someone was there overseeing the athletes and making sure they were iced, taped, etc and being there in case of an emergency.

This weekend at the USSSA , a pitcher gets hit with a line drive into her stomach and between the chaos of not having a tournament person quickly or taking control and calling the paramedics, just having someone with some true training would have been something of value considering the profit these groups make. I have not gone to ASA nationals but would hope they would have someone on site.

Would anyone agree with me or it this just the way things are done? Until some really gets hurt, then someone from these organizations may react and that is not good.

Jefffffffffffffffffffffffffffff

Man, with so many complaints, from $$$$, crappy fields and officials...it's time to move her over to volleyball permanently. As for tournament officials calling an EMT for the injured player, is it too much for a parent or coach to punch in 911 on a cell? Or in addition to blowing your nose and wiping your a$$, do they have to play doctor too.

My DD played club volleyball last winter and used one of those trainers. The first question they asked is how we planned on paying their bill. So while they were at the tournament, I think they make their $$$ by direct charges to the players/parents.

Outrageous that everyone wants their coin...TDs, trainers...who do they think they are???

[coachEd]

In 2006, we went to a National tourney in Rockford, Illinois for 16u. My pitcher took a linedrive right in the eye (she was not wearing a facemask). Her eye was immediately swollen shut, bleeding and she required 36 stitches. Thankfully, she did not end up with any permanent damage to her eye.

But when the play happened, it took over 45 minutes for paramedics just to get to the field (after just about everyone in attendence calling 911) and tend to her to take her to the hospital. The only saving grace was one of the dads from the opposing team (from Oklahoma) was an M.D. He came out and tended to her while we were waiting for the paramedics.

If ever emergency personnel were needed on-site, that was it.

[jefff]

My point exactly - But if Joe was there, his advice for us idiot parents would be to "push 911 as how tough is that..?"

Joe - yes, maybe VB is a better option since she is 6'1 and is in 7th grade. Thanks for the advice. But by point was a tournament should supply something if they want to take on the teams and player and get the fees. Dont think that is asking too much

[Rounding 3rd]

In So Cal, ASA grants us permission( ) to spend our money to become “ACE” certified. No need for trainers here.

[Killer Rabbit]

Traniner's and emergency responders are two different creatures.

A trainer can help with splinting a broken/sprained limb, put ice on it, and help walk the player to the car. Things that can be done by everyone else around. Other than basic CPR, nothing really special (Maybe help take care of some sprains and pulled muscles)

An emergency responder can perform CPR, defibrillate, give pain medication, c-spine and back board. Secure an airway...True life saving skills.

It's a matter of what level of safety do you want for the players. I'm sure some kind of an arrangement can be made with the ambulance company to dedicate an ambulance and personnel to the event. $$$ but is it really warranted? Maybe at a very large event.

[GSB]

My point exactly - But if Joe was there, his advice for us idiot parents would be to "push 911 as how tough is that..?"

Joe - yes, maybe VB is a better option since she is 6'1 and is in 7th grade. Thanks for the advice. But by point was a tournament should supply something if they want to take on the teams and player and get the fees. Dont think that is asking too much

Ok, then where do you draw the line. 90% of softball injuries come during practice and not during a game. Do all coaches and leagues need to have a paramedic standing by during practice. Last year my DD dislocated and fractured her hip during a practice. During the last season alone, I can count at least two kids in So Cal that were hit with line drives (face shots) during practice. Coaches just called 911 and paramedics showed up in about 10-20 minutes and off to the hospital they go. Had a girl just 3 weeks ago hurt her leg (during a game). I just carried her to her mother's car and mom drove her off for medical treatment.

I have taken the liberty of making a large first aid kit and bringing it to practices and games. (Just in case). Seems kinda silly to have paramedics standing by at every practice and game.