Worst medical experiences

[Bob Lyle]

Originally posted by ljudge

From this instance I can think of, it's my understanding an official is obligated to touch a injured player. If a game official or member of the chain crew is working the game and happens to be an EMT, he or she is an EMT first and an official second. (That's what he told us any way).

This is not true in all states. Medically trained personnel don't have a legal obligation to act when a bystander or passerby. Ethically yes, but legally no. For instance, a trauma doctor is under no legal obligation to stop his car when passing a traffic accident with obvious injuries. However, if he does become involved, he must stay involved until the crisis passes or relieved by an equivalent or higher medical authority.

The legal question that could be raised, is a person hired to be an official a bystander for purposes of providing medical treatment? Or once one has been hired on in any capacity, must he also assume medical duties if trained to do so?

Good question. I doubt that the answer is the same everywhere.

[Jim D]

We're very lucky in our crew that our umpire is an emergency room nurse. He does not usually get involved but he will identify himself as such to the trainer/doctor or coaches before the game if they need his help. He leaves injuries up to them unless they specifically ask him for assistance.

[Jim S]

The worst I've seen was a running back who got hit from two sides just as he was planting after stepping thru the line. He got a twist fracture of the hip. Entire leg is point in bad directions.
He screaming the he'll never walk again, etc. I'm right there so I tell him to be quiet, the doctor's will fix you up. He's says OK and calms right down. For about a mionute. Then he starts up again. So I start telling he stories about "bad" injuries and how he's gonna be just fine. Calms down again. Another minute goes by and now the EMTs are there and he starts up again. This time I said "Hey that's about enough of that! These guys are gonna take good care of you until they get you to the doctors who are gonna fix you right up... SO ZIP IT!" him "OK sir"
I later got a thank you note from the kid and his coach for "my assurance, and help keeping him calm.

Second worst was a pass receiver running patterns in pre-game in Cupertino, Ca about 27 years ago. He went airborne to catch one. Hit the ground and started screaming. At the time I was an EMT and ran over to him. Looked down at his knee. The patella was around the back side of the knee, completely detached. Having had knee injuries I don't blame the kid for screaming his head off!

[Rick KY]

A couple years ago, during the last varsity game of the regular season, a player from the visitors dislocated his hip. He was flat on his back with his right leg about 60 degrees out to the side, with his toes down in the grass. Seeing the paramedics move him onto a board was bone chilling, especially with the kid crying like he was. He caught a pass and was hit on the thighs from the side and wrapped up while running and twisted down to the ground. The tackle was text book and looked harmless. I swear I could feel the kids pain.

[fonzzy07]

hey Guy's
I am currently playing varsity football with a team in stl. This happened to me this year. Was playing Tightend and went across the field about 10 yards deep, and the ball was thrown to me very slowly and high. The middle linebacer and I both go up for it and since the mlb was in the way I ended up having to lean to catch it. I out jump him and get the ball, as soon as i catch it i am hit by the safty in the ribs. I pass out immediatly. turns out I broke 4 ribs. and tissue( i dont no the tech terms) inbetween 3 of those ribs I only know the details from watching the game tape. As it turns out I was able to convice the doc and trainer to let me play after sitting out 1 week. Just thought I'd share.

[Jim D]

Fonzy,

Did you make the catch?

[fonzzy07]

Originally Posted by Jim D

Fonzy,

Did you make the catch?

Hell Yes but lets say the coaches were impressed. The funny part is it was the back up qb cause rs was out, after that game the coaches sat him down and told him he was no longer gonna play qb. I felt bad for him, I never blamed him for it, that sorta stuff happens in the game and well thats part of what makes the game great. But the coaches praised me and blamed him for everything.

[tnzebra]

Few years ago in a varsity game I had a QB take a real shot on a tackle. He gets right up and starts walking to the huddle. I am U and he starts to walk toward me stumbling, he was knocked out cold but is staggering toward me. As he gets to me he falls, my choice is to either grab him or to let him faceplant the dirt. Out of instinct I grab him and hold him up as the training staff gets to me. I was unsure if this was the right thing to do but out of instinct I did not want to see him hit the ground. He was ok and actually played later that game.

[Jim D]

I'm not a lawyer but I think it would sound a lot better to a jury trying to decide blame that I caught the kid as he was stumbling and falling rather than get up there and testify that he started to fall and I stepped aside and watched him topple.