Merit Health Natchez to Sponsor On-Site Ambulance Coverage
9/12/2016
Miss-Lou High School Football Games to Have Dedicated Ambulance Coverage
NATCHEZ, Miss. –September 13, 2016– To support timely delivery of medical care in an emergency, Merit Health Natchez is sponsoring dedicated, on-site ambulances and crews at the remaining varsity football games in the Miss-Lou Region. Home games, and any possible playoff home games, for the following schools will be supported with the ambulance service: Trinity Episcopal School; Cathedral School; Natchez High School; Adams County Christian School; Delta Charter School; Vidalia High School and Ferriday High School.
The recent article in the newspaper regarding the lack of consistent ambulance coverage at football games gained the attention of Dr. Dan McCallum, an orthopedic surgeon heavily involved in the sports medicine program at Merit Health Natchez. Merit Health Natchez CEO Eric Robinson agreed with Dr. McCallum’s concerns, as well as those voiced by parents and coaches, with the lack of dedicated coverage. “After meeting with American Medical Response (AMR) and Metro Ambulance Service and determining the number of home games for all seven schools, as well as crews and ambulances needed, I am extremely pleased that our hospital can sponsor a dedicated ambulance and crew for the safety of our local athletes,” said Robinson. “A dedicated ambulance and crew will remain on site for the duration of each game.”
“As a parent of a high school football player, as well as a physician, I appreciate the hospital’s understanding of the need for this service and finding a way to make it happen,” said Dr. Blane Mire.
Adams County Supervisor David Carter echoed Dr. Mire’s appreciation. “This is a win-win situation for all entities involved – the county and parishes, the schools and the ambulance crews,” said Carter. “Most importantly in this sponsorship provided by the hospital is the desire for safety among the athletes.”
Headmaster and Head Football Coach at Adams County Christian School, David King, said any measure to support the health of athletes is worth the cost, and he applauds the hospital for not only making the ambulance possible, but also for the help their certified athletic trainers provide year round. “ACCS is one of several schools in the Miss-Lou that has taken advantage of the sports medicine services the hospital provides free of charge,” said King. “Having a trainer on your campus that works with all student athletes, year round, has had a great impact on the safety of our athletes, and has given coaches and parents an added level of safety and assurance that our athletes are receiving first aid and timely assessments in the case of injury.”
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