As we prepare for the 2013 Reebok CrossFit Games of 2013, first let me wish all the competitors good luck and good health.  The medical team is also getting revved up for the events. Our number one priority is the safety of the competitors. Hopefully our services will not be needed but if they are, the team is well equipped to handle any emergency. The team is under the direction of Dr. Mike Ray and Navy Hospital Corpsman Brian Thurmond and is made up of doctors, nurses, EMTs, firemen, and police officers to respond to any emergency. On the nonemergent side there are chiropractors, PTs and massage therapists on hand to provide a little manual support, flexibility, ART, manipulation, etc.  As the Games have developed so has the organizational structure. Each member is given a Medical shirt to identify themselves to the Judges on the floor. If a person is injured during the workout, the Judge will assess the competitor first and then call for help by raising their hand straight up in the air. This is the signal for the medical team to assist. Last year there were a few incidents but nothing major (see my Memories of the Crossfit Games 2012 post).  The grips that we made were the most popular item for the hand rips that we saw. I have raised questions with people before about shaving and leather grips to try to prevent major hand tears. These are not inconsequential as a loose grip due to pain could affect a lot of everything else down the kinetic chain. Let’s hope we don’t see them and anyone competing, as you are winding down over the next week, something to think about.

Got Grips?