Fwd: Medical Issues for National Carnival & Defibrillator Checks
Graeme Pocknee
Sent: Saturday, September 23, 2017 8:45:26 AM
To: 'tracey kick'; 'Rod Gibson'; srsfa...@bigpond.com; Brad King SA President; Bruce Chaplin Vic Metro President; Bryan.Minns NSW President; Colin Thompson SA Masters; Curtis Ward, TAS President; Graeme Pocknee ACT President; Graeme Pocknee email; Kim Cowan, NT President; Steve Burchill QLD President; Wayne Hall, Vic C President; White Damien SA Masters; Gail Dykes, TAS Secretary; GM Vic Metro; Roy Baehnisch NT Sec
Cc: 'Joe Juhasz'; 'Charlie Adornetto'; gra...@jimsbuildinginspections.com.au; Derek Delany, AFLM Director; Ian Fletcher, AFLM VP; Pam Andrew AFLM Director ; Steve Eurell, President AFLM
Subject: Medical Issues for National Carnival & Defibrillator Checks
Ladies and Gents,
Please read the email below and pass it on to all Team Managers and trainers. Doc Joe has requested that all defibrillators be checked before bringing them to the carnival to ensure that they have updated batteries and pad checks and suggests that all trainers include compression bandages for initial soft tissue injuries.
Hi all,
Generally it is not the stretcher but the nature of the injury that will determine whether the player should return to the ground. head and neck injuries are treated seriously and the AFL has now advised strict guidelines for these.
If neck injury is suspected (neck pain with or without nerve signs - tingling numbness or paralysis of arms or feet) do not move the player - he is to be kept immobilized with the neck packed on both sides, the game suspended until he is moved by the ambulance and taken to hospital. Movement of the neck if there is unstable fracture can result in permanent paralysis.
Any concussion or loss of consciousness should be treated seriously. The player should come off, be assessed and usually would be taken to casualty BY AMBULANCE for at least 4 hours neurological observation and probable c/t scan of the brain. By the guidelines any player suffering loss of consciousness or significant concussion should avoid any strenuous activity and usually should not engage in any serious exertion (not just football) for at least one week or if he has persistent headaches - for at least a week after headaches subside. Players who do not follow this, risk suffering severe long term headaches.
I will be available on one of the grounds on all match days and I can assess and advise regarding injuries - many ignore my advice in the past and risk aggravating injures - this will do some minor damage and prolong the pain and recovery but nothing of seriousness at their own risk but the neck and head injuries guidelines are a must if we are to avoid serious problems. Ina addition we must be mindful of legal ramifications - we are now affiliated with the AFL (which eats my guts being a Royboy) and as such we are obliged to follow the guidelines as set out by them with regard to a whole range of issues relating to player safety , violence, racial vilification and the like. If someone comes to harm and we have not followed these rules, the association and its office bearers face potential litigation and compensation claims. We must make sure all grounds have adequate safety standards followed, stretchers, defibs etc in place- once we have set the safety standards and proclaimed they are available we must ensure they are actually there and in working order. That is the safety instructions I try to pass on to all clubs in VicMetro and I try to tell all club Presidents that they are the ones who will be sued if the standards are not met and someone comes to grief. That is the advice I have been given Neil but I will be guided by your opinion of course with regards to the Carnival.
Neil I will be bringing down 2 defibrillators - we have had to replace all batteries and pads as they do date even if unused - could you ask all sides bringing their defibs to make sure their batteries are in date and operational.
The only other thing I can add at this stage is that I would like to chat to all trainers with regard to soft tissue injuries ... many just ice wound but forget the most important application of early compression - I know rubberized bandages are not cheap but they are an important treatment ... can talk further on this when I see you at the carnival next week.
Ambulances are never available to sit at the grounds but will respond quickly by dialling 000. St Johns often have an "ambulance" on the ground but they are next to useless as they are allowed to provide first aid only, no stitches or fracture treatment and are not allowed to transport - they are trained in CPR so they are useful to have around
On 20/09/2017 11:04 AM, Neil King wrote:
Hi Colin,
I spoke to our carnival doctor Dr Joe Juhasz and he has provided the initial answers in red below. Don’t hesitate to contact him by email if your trainer needs more info.
NK
Hi Neil,
Our head trainer is asking a few questions regarding medical ruling at the carnival.
Can you please answer these questions as listed below.
Regards
Colin Thompson
Hey Col would like some clarification from Masters Carnival body
1 When a stretcher goes onto the ground out to player whether he gets on it or not, how long is that player to stay off the ground
( AFL 30min SANFL 20min) It will depend on the injury and we would be expecting the player to be referred to the carnival doctor.
2 What is the time rule regarding Concussion. Who is to clear player? ( usually 20 mins for minor 6 days for major, usually a doctor)
For concussion, it would be mandatory to refer to the carnival doctor and he is likely to enforce non playing for the rest of the carnival.
3 Will ambos / medical crew be available at all grounds?
In the event of any serious injury the instruction is to call 000 and Dr Juhasz will be in attendance at the carnival
Hey Col this is from the AFL concussion management plan.
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