News and Business
Robert Fink, an Events Coordinator at ER24, highlights the most common injuries that medics treat on the hockey field.
Hockey can be a high-risk sport with players vulnerable to injuries across the entire body. With a hard ball travelling at lightning speed and hockey sticks flying everywhere, most hockey players know that getting injured comes with the territory.
Common injuries in hockey
As the sport is played with a hard ball and a stick, the most common injuries paramedics treat are those caused by impact.
- Fractured fingers
- Facial and dental injuries
- Ankle sprains and strains
- Concussions
How do medics assess an injured hockey player for a concussion?
Given the seriousness of concussions, medics use recognised assessments, such as the Maddocks Questions, to determine a player’s awareness and memory after an on-field injury. These include questions such as:
- What venue are you playing at?
- What half is it right now?
- Who scored last?
- What team did you play last?
- Did your team win your last match?
Additionally, medics look for warning signs such as:
- Lying motionless
- Balance problems or disorientation
- Headache, dizziness or blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty concentrating or repeated questioning
If a concussion is suspected, the player is immediately removed from play and transported to hospital for further medical care.
The important role that event medics play
The player's ability to get back into the game as soon as possible often depends on the level of care given to athletes when mishaps occur. This is where ER24 comes in on match day. Having medics at a hockey tournament is beneficial for the patient, as immediate assessment of the incident and prompt treatment can be initiated. If necessary, they also assist with arranging transportation of a patient to a definitive care facility where the patient can be further managed.