The Small States Games have begun in Andorra, where unfortunately, injuries are to be expected. But the medical and paramedical team has been ready from the start to support the athletes.
These also include physiotherapist Nina Goedert and orthopaedic specialist Dr Felix Hoffmann, who are accompanying the athletes for the third and fourth time, respectively.
Next to Goedert, nine other physiotherapists are on site, but getting there was no simple task. After registration comes a meticulous selection process that considers specific criteria like qualifications and experience, the physiotherapist explains.
Four doctors are on location, all of whom were personally invited to join. The team includes an internist and several specialists in sports medicine, including Hoffmann.
The team is usually busy from early morning until late at night, which is why coordination and planning happens at nightly briefings. Each evening, duties are assigned in a way that allows for the most efficient workload the next day.
But it is no simple task. “It is a big challenge, but it’s all manageable,” says Goedert.
The doctors and physiotherapists stay on alert at all times to treat injuries. “Injuries range from minor scrapes to more serious tears. We usually expect around four to five more severe cases,” explains Dr Hoffmann.
For both Goedert and Hoffmann, the most important aspects are team spirit and motivation. They mention the good atmosphere on the bus to the event. “We were also well supplied with food and drinks,” Dr Hoffmann adds.
Both believe that events like these offer valuable new experiences. “Close collaboration with other professionals, especially the doctors, is really great,” says Goedert.
