DOHA: FIFA has delivered the first in a series of pitch-side emergency courses and assessments for medical personnel at the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, to implement a standardised and choreographed approach between stakeholders at the tournament and all future FIFA events.
The two-day Emergency Medicine Advanced Level course was delivered at Al Janoub Stadium, a FIFA World Cup venue, and was attended by 16 senior medical professionals from entities across Qatar. It forms part of an ongoing commitment from FIFA to deliver world-class training to all staff tasked with ensuring players’ welfare. The course provides all pitch-side medical staff with the information they need in an on-pitch emergency and the opportunity to practice working in unison with each other.
FIFA Medical Director, Dr. Andrew Massey, explained: “We can do as much preparation as we can, as much screening, but sometimes emergencies still happen. We want to be in the best possible position to provide the highest level of healthcare to those involved in the matches. This is done through education and training at events such as this to ensure the there is a seamless approach to on pitch management of emergencies. The FIFA Emergency Medicine Courses encourage aim to provide the optimal level of training for all medics working at FIFA tournaments.”
The bespoke course is part of a suite provided by FIFA, covering three levels; advanced, foundation and refresher. In the lead up to the World Cup further sessions will be delivered, including another in Doha in June 2022 with the team doctors from the 32 qualified nations.
Of those in attendance at Al Janoub Stadium, were senior staff leading and training sub-divisions within their teams. Upon passing the assessment, they will go on to deliver the exact training presented at the FIFA course.
Among the pitch-side medical personnel at every FIFA World Cup game in 2022 will be the national team doctors, a FIFA doctor and the field of play recovery teams.
