Most often the issue of 'on or off' field injuries in developing rugby nations is overlooked and only comes to light when an incident occurs or perhaps if there is a fatality.
This was highlighted by Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou while speaking at World Rugby’s ‘Intermediate Care in Rugby’ Level 2 Workshop at the Grand Pacific Hotel this morning.
Tuitubou also highlighted to participants that it is very important as first responders to possess skills and equipment required to facilitate the delivery of immediate care to Fiji’s sports men and women who may suffer a time critical life or limb threatening injury or medical condition.
He also commended World Rugby and Oceania Rugby for such an important initiative which recognises the risk of injuries or of a medical emergency during matches or training activities.
Tuitubou stressed that this workshop will raise the bar on how Fiji reacts to on‑field emergencies during games and also enhance the care of our rugby players.
He also stressed to participants that the workshop will enable them to improve the provision of immediate trauma and medical care to players, facilitating not only a reduction in injuries, but also a rewarding satisfaction to the providers of such care.
Tuitubou says that not only do the participants need to be prepared on match/event days but also at training venues and grounds where a significant numbers of injuries or medical problems also occur adding that such workshops also help us to improve our standards ‑ objectively raising them to meet international standards.
Meanwhile the Oceania Sevens will begin this Friday to Saturday at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.