Further training for ringside physicians with a contribution from the UFC Chief Physician

This week, the VA (Nederlandse Vechtsportautoriteit, the Dutch martial arts supervisory authority) and the NVB (Nederlandse Vechtsportbond, the Dutch martial arts federation) organised a second further training evening for ringside physicians in martial arts.

Ringside physicians play a very important role in martial arts. They help limit the risk of injury by examining fighters beforehand. They intervene during bouts if they consider the health risks for a participant to be too great. If an injury does occur, they provide the initial treatment and, where necessary, arrange more specialised care.

The pool of ringside physicians in the Netherlands consists of sports enthusiasts who give up their free time as volunteers or for a modest fee. The VA and the NVB encourage them to exchange experiences. They also want every ringside physician to stay informed of new insights and developments. Further training meetings are therefore organised on a regular basis.

This edition included a video link with Dr. Jeff Davidson, Chief Physician of the UFC. The most senior medical officer of the world's largest martial arts organisation explained how the medical duties surrounding bouts are organised at the UFC. Pre-fight examinations, aftercare for injuries, views on weight cutting: all kinds of aspects of medical care were discussed. Video footage of practical examples was also used to illustrate the topics covered.

The theoretical part was followed by a practical workshop. Resuscitation expert Harrie van der Velden provided a Basic Life Support refresher course. This involved dummies fitted with technology that measures, among other things, the pressure applied to the chest during resuscitation attempts.