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Message on Life Threatening Injury - Mar 3, 2008
Note from PRU President Reinforces NYS Rugby Policy

Message on Life Threatening Injuries

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The following message was sent from the President of the Potomac Rugby Union. This reinforces NYS Rugby policy for medical personnel (Athletic Trainer, EMT, First Responder, Ambulance) to be present at ALL NYS Rugby matches and events:

Yesterday (March 1, 2008), I was witness to a concussion which, as it turned out, was a life-threatening injury. The Longwood University player, Todd Miller, was hit in the head, played another minute or two, then asked to be subbed out. A couple of minutes later, he collapsed on the sideline, unconscious.

A former EMT happened to be present (parent of another player) and he rendered aid while the ambulance arrived. The player was transported to a local hospital and then air-evaced to a neurological trauma center. The doctors performed surgery. (I do not know the underlying problems, but obviously something more complicated than a simple concussion). As of this morning, the player is still unconscious, and beyond that, I do not know any more details. Please keep this player in your prayers.

"A former EMT happened to be present (parent of another player)" - Do you have a medically trained person on your sideline? What will you do when a serious injury happens?

I am reminded of another player's funeral that I went to last year. He got a concussion, spent three days in the hospital, was discharged to home, and died a week later.

Please, remember - a CONCUSSION is a BRAIN INJURY. If you are unsure as to the severity (and most of you should be since you're not medically trained), call the ambulance or otherwise get the player to a hospital to be evaluated.

Eric Pittelkau
PRU President

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Posted Until Apr 30, 2008

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