Sideline medical physicians do not have the resources of a clinic or emergency department (or even a training room), but through careful planning they can respond to a range of medical concerns that may arise during athletic events. In a recent article in Current Sports Medicine, lead author Moira Davenport, MD, a clinical professor of emergency medicine at Drexel University’s Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh) campus, and colleagues, detailed the many considerations needed for sideline medical bag preparation.
This expertise is especially relevant to youth, high school, college and professional athletes who depend on these professionals to respond to a wide range of injuries that may occur during play (and determine if the athlete can return to action). It’s also relevant to those who love these athletes, including us Philadelphia sports fans who felt a different kind of pain during Joel Embiid’s knee injuries and appendicitis, Bryce Harper’s Tommy John surgery and fractured thumb, and Lane Johnson’s foot injuries and concussions, among many other heart-breaking moments.
As Davenport outlines, sideline doctors can administer more than simply minor first aid, thanks to thoughtful pre-event planning for each environment and level of play, including anticipating any emergencies that may occur. For example, they can provide immediate aid in seconds for an athlete’s spine or joint injury or promptly assess a concussion. That quick work often prevents injuries like small muscle tears from becoming more complex and potentially career-ending cases. They can also typically administer CPR; which was critical for the the Bills’ sideline medical team to save the life of Bills safety Damar Hamlin in 2023. Below, we check in with Davenport about the importance of comprehensive guidelines for sideline sports medicine doctors and the work done behind the scenes to make sure athletes receive the care they need.
Please briefly describe your experience with emergency medicine and sports medicine, including your current roles at Drexel and Allegheny General Hospital.
My sports medicine – emergency medicine career has taken several forms. I previously saw patients in the sports medicine clinic, but now use my sports medicine skill set to enhance my emergency medicine practice. I also work with a local CrossFit facility as their medical advisor and I work with USA Track & Field, providing medical coverage at track meets. I am currently a clinical professor of emergency medicine at Drexel University’s Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh) campus. I am also the associate residency director of the Emergency Medicine Residency Program and the medical education fellowship director (both at AGH).
Considering the many groups for sports medicine physicians to follow, should there be a standard for what a sideline physician is required to carry?
There are quite a few medical specialties that provide sideline sports medicine coverage (including emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, pediatrics and orthopedic surgery). Each specialty brings a slightly different perspective to event coverage, which resulted in several specialty specific preparation guidelines but no unifying set of recommendations. Since sports medicine is inherently multidisciplinary, we wanted to review existing position statements and develop a standardized set of practical guidelines that could be used across disciplines to best care for athletes. We did incorporate the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery and American College of Sports Medicine guidelines into our paper.
We all know what it’s like to pack for a trip. Before traveling to a competition, what are some things physicians need to consider so they appropriately tailor the medical kit?
Given that a variety of specialties provide sports medicine coverage, there is no set requirement regarding what should be packed in a sideline bag. Most physicians tailor the items to carry based on the type of event being covered, the age/general health of the athletes and the physician’s comfort level with any particular piece of equipment. Needless to say the supplies needed to cover a youth sporting event are drastically different than those likely to be needed at a Senior Olympics event! The other variables that may influence the decision to bring a particular supply are the type of EMS coverage at the event venue (paramedics vs EMTs) and the distance to the nearest hospital. Paramedic units carry multiple types of advanced equipment, and it makes more sense for the sports physician to coordinate with pre-hospital providers than to bring these items in the sideline bag.
What are some of the main takeaways from this article for sideline physicians, or are there misconceptions about the role you hope this article addresses?
Sideline sports medicine coverage is a great way to use medical skills while giving back to the community. The majority of injuries encountered are musculoskeletal related, but it is imperative that the sports medicine physician be prepared for the life-threatening injuries that do occasionally occur. Just as the athletes practice in the pre-season, sports medicine physicians practice for events by anticipating all possible supply needs. This is evident in the preparation of the sideline bag.
Reporters interested in talking with Davenport should contact Greg Richter, an assistant director of media relations, at 215-895-2614 or gdr33@drexel.edu.
