(Durham, NH) – Dr. Gavin Webb and Dr. Fred Brennan, two of the UNH official team physicians from SOSMED, participated in a joint training exercise with the UNH athletic training staff and three local EMS (Emergency Medical Services) teams. Organized by Cindy Michaud, ATC from UNH, with assistance from several other UNH athletic trainers, this training exercise focused on the emergency care of the suspected spine injured athlete.

Three “play” scenarios were created to simulate the emergency care of the spine injured patient: an injured football player in full gear, an injured hockey player also in full gear, and an injured gymnast in the so called “pit.” EMS personnel, athletic trainers, and Drs. Webb and Brennan joined the team working together to define roles and responsibilities, working through the challenges of an injured athlete in gear, and getting a better appreciation of the skill set each member brings to these emergency situations.

According to Dr. Brennan, “This joint training exercise was a great way to bring key personnel together to rehearse and practice working through the challenges of caring for a spine injured athlete. There was tremendous comradery and we all worked very well together. Although we all hope never to have to respond to a real life emergency of this nature with our UNH athletes, I believe this exercise has enhanced our ability to provide top level care to the UNH student-athletes.”

Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is one of the largest providers of orthopedic care in the Seacoast region and serves as the official orthopedists and team physicians for the UNH Wildcats. Its main office is in Somersworth with a satellite office in Lee.