Marshfield Clinic Sports Medicine will be on hand for the fifth consecutive year to keep racers safe at the American Birkebeiner, where Clinic providers have treated hundreds of skiers for everything from scratched corneas to broken bones.
This year the Clinic team, led by sports medicine physician Adam Atkins, will be on hand for arguably the most legendary cross-country ski race in the U.S. Feb. 21. The four-day event runs from Feb. 19-22, including the Marshfield Clinic-supported Kortelopet Feb. 21.
Last year, the Clinic’s team of about 30 health care professionals treated 40-50 athletes, mostly for problems related to the very cold conditions, Atkins said.
“We took care of some frostbite on fingers, noses and cheeks,” Atkins said. “We also had several people with frozen corneas.”
Dehydration also was an issue for several athletes, as was low body temperatures due to staying in wet race clothing too long.
Marshfield Clinic’s team includes physicians, physician assistants, nurses, physical therapists and medical assistants, all of whom are well prepared for anything the conditions throw their way.
“Last year, it was great to provide this service and the athletes we supported were very appreciative of our presence at the Birkie,” Atkins said. “Everyone on our team worked so well together, jumping in where needed, not just in their specialty.”
The Clinic’s team knows it has to expect the unexpected. Four years ago, doctors treated about 250 people, many for frostbite, during one of the coldest races in Birkie history.
This year, more than 10,000 skiers from around the world are expected to be on hand, meaning an adequate medical team needs to be available for any health issues that arise.
For instance, Marshfield Clinic medical staff one year worked quickly to save a skier who had a heart attack near the finish line.
“You never know when an emergency will pop up, but that’s why we have a large team on hand. We’re ready to ensure everyone has the safest race possible,” Atkins said.
Atkins, who sees patients at the Clinic’s Eau Claire Center, will lead the Clinic team stationed at the Finish Line Recovery Area, said Robin Kranig, orthopedics manager, who helps coordinate the team’s planning.
Marshfield Clinic also is a major sponsor of the Birkebeiner.
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The Marshfield Clinic system provides patient care, research and education with more than 50 locations in northern, central and western Wisconsin, making it one of the largest comprehensive medical systems in the United States.