Marshfield Clinic Ensures Birkebeiner Safe Event for Thousands

CONTACT: Rob Kreibich, Regional Marketing and Public Relations Specialist, 715-858-4565, kreibich.rob@marshfieldclinic.org; Bob Mackle, Media Relations Manager, 715-387-5250, mackle.robert@marshfieldclinic.org

Compared to last year, Marshfield Clinic medical staff had a relatively quiet day as about 8,000 skiers from all over the world took part in the 39th annual American Birkebeiner in Hayward on Feb. 25.

For the third consecutive year, Marshfield Clinic sponsored the largest cross country ski race in North America and also provided an onsite medical team near the finish line at the Sawyer County Courthouse. Last year’s record cold weather resulted in more than 200 participants seeking medical assistance.

This year, 18 Marshfield Clinic providers and staff treated about 40 racers as participants tackled the 50-kilometer course from Cable to Hayward in near ideal weather conditions.

Most of the medical issues this year dealt with blisters, bruises and fatigue, according to Tom Schwab, Marshfield Clinic northwest regional operations administrator. Fortunately, staff encountered no life-threatening medical conditions.

Last year, many skiers sought help for hypothermia, frostbite and frozen corneas. Two years ago, Marshfield Clinic providers stabilized a racer who collapsed near the finish line from a heart attack. He later made a full recovery.

Dr. Thomas Lundquist, a Rice Lake Center family medicine physician, led the medical staff that included nurses, physician assistants, medical assistants and physical therapists from various Marshfield Clinic Centers in the Northwest Division. Lakeview Medical Center paramedics were also on hand this year.

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The Marshfield Clinic system provides patient care, research and education with 57 locations in northern, central and western Wisconsin, making it one of the largest comprehensive medical systems in the United States.