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A First and Last for Me
Went to my first ever AFL style football match; a finals match for the local teams here on the NW Coast (Forth v Wesley Vale for all you out of town locals), I was there to photograph my barista's husband's last game as a favour (so my coffee doesn't go bad) and all was going well, and I was even enjoying it, as you do, up close and personal through a zoom lens.
In the first 5mins of the last quarter, with 'hubbies' team thrashing the opposition, an opposition player was tackled just 10mtrs from me (that's a bit over 30' for the Americans among us) and went down badly.
His lower right leg from about 1/3 of the way up his shin was at an actual right-angle, and the bone was entirely visible. He was in great pain, and soon after, in shock.
Here's what disturbs me; there was NO doctor on the site, NO trained medic, NO first-aid person qualified above the 'call an ambulance' level.
The man lay for 35~40 minutes on the very cold ground without attention, useful attention, or a painkiller. He was bought a blanket 3 minutes before the ambulance arrived!
I was roundly abused, and my camera attacked with beer, for being disrespectful by photographing the event (Idiots with limited intelligence shouldn't be allowed alcohol in public places). The injured man will get the copies of these photos, because one day he'll want to see them. So I'll take them over to his Club in the next few days.
But here's another disturbing thing. This is local amateur football. There is no insurance, unless you insure yourself. This man's injuries are his own to deal with. As is his loss of employment while he heals.
I'm certain that's more disrespectful of the player. As is not having professional medical personal on hand. The local soccer league is required to have, and pay for, St Johns Ambulance to attend throughout each match.
Meanwhile, I have 300 photos to process for the Barista and her hubby :-)
Trev
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