Jefferson County health providers ‘well equipped’ for The World Games
Thousands of people from across the globe will gather in Birmingham next week to celebrate The World Games, an influx that will increase pressure on local health providers.
Officials with the state’s largest hospital said during a press conference Wednesday they are prepared to care for athletes and spectators.
The biggest concern is heat-related illness.
“Y’all may have noticed, but it’s really hot outside,” said Dr. Sarah Nafziger, vice president of clinical support services at UAB Hospital.
Nafziger said area hospitals and nursing schools are collaborating to staff first aid stations and medical tents to care for spectators at every venue.
Cooling stations will be available with ice, fans and hydration.
For more serious injuries, medical providers are working with the Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services to coordinate transportation to hospitals.
Nafizinger said UAB has increased staffing and added telemedicine capacity.
She said the hospital is prepared for a possible surge in patient volume, but the goal is to treat as many people as possible onsite at The World Games.
“We’re setting all this up in an effort to hopefully not overload the local system of emergency departments and urgent cares,” Nafziger said.
Jefferson County, and most of Alabama, continue to face a high level of community spread of COVID-19. County Health Officer Dr. Mark Wilson encouraged event spectators to wear masks indoors and get vaccinated against COVID-19, although neither is required.
COVID testing will not be provided at venue medical tents, but the health department recently opened a new rapid COVID testing site downtown that can test around 300 people per day free of charge.
Wilson said local and state health departments are also monitoring the global spread of Monkeypox, but he said it shouldn’t be a big concern for people attending The World Games.
“We have not had cases detected yet in the state of Alabama,” he said. “That doesn’t mean they don’t exist, but we are prepared to do testing and contact tracing if needed.”
UAB medical personnel will work with Andrews Sports Medicine to care for athletes with orthopedic injuries and other needs.
“Lots of planning that’s been going on over the past two and half years,” said Dr. Irfan Asif, chief of UAB Sports Medicine. “I think we’re well equipped for the things we’ll probably see in the next few weeks.”
USA swim team members recovering from stomach bug at world championships
Some USA swim team members have missed events during the competition.
Trump sets EU tariff at 15%, lower than his original threat, after meeting in Scotland
Trump had most recently threatened tariffs of 30% on imports from the European Union. But on Sunday, he met with the president of the European Commission, and they agreed to a lower level.
His name is Mohammad Al-Motawaq. He is 18 months old. And he is starving in Gaza
Hidaya Al-Motawaq's son Mohammad is a year and a half old and weighs less than 10 pounds. Doctors and aid workers warn of permanent damage to the health of children in Gaza due to chronic malnutrition.
Thai and Cambodian leaders to meet in Malaysia for talks to end deadly border dispute
Thai and Cambodian leaders will meet in Malaysia for talks to end hostilities, a spokesperson for the Thai prime minister's office said on Sunday.
How a flat tire scam in Colombia can lead to costly car repairs
Bandits on motorcycles secretly spread sharp objects on the road to puncture car tires. Then, they offer to lead marooned motorists to nearby mechanics suspected of being in on the con.
In “Oh, Hi,” Logan Lerman and Molly Gordon find the humor in misery
Logan Lerman and Molly Gordon say the line between love and horror is a thin one.
