From bloody noses to taped ankles, Games medical staff have athletes covered

Volunteer medical staff are treating injuries head to toe at the Canada Games.

But whatever the ailment, the young athletes competing at the Games on Prince Edward Island know medical staff have their backs.

About 150 doctors, nurses and therapists are volunteering their time, including 50 from off-Island who have special expertise in sports medicine.

The main clinic, on the University of Prince Edward Island campus, is treating about 70 patients a day. There are also "field of play medical services" offering on-the-spot first aid at 16 athletic venues across the Island, particularly important for high-contact sports such as hockey, wheelchair basketball and so-called combat sports like boxing, judo and karate.

"Joint injuries, knees, ankles … a few viral infections … and concussions are quite prominent in some of these sports," said Dr. Kristy Newson, Canada Games chief medical officer, listing a day's typical challenges.

"Thankfully, it hasn't been that severe … we haven't had to use the X-ray department too much at QEH [Queen Elizabeth Hospital]," she said, adding: "We have had some injuries that required athletes to be sent home early."

Hunter Annis, a Nova Scotian competing in judo, got some on-the-spot care when he suffered a bloody nose on Wednesday.

"I needed to — obviously — get that fixed. So I went over to the medical professional there. She took this cube-looking thing and she stuck it right up my nose. Blood went away instantly … I was able to fight the full fight, and I was good….

"It feels pretty good to know you're in good hands here at the Games." 

Marya Phan is a certified athletic therapist who travelled from Quebec to volunteer at the Games. She has been stationed at the judo venue. 

"You walk in,