\u201cI put in a lot of time with the planning process, but it was all worth it to make some great connections with health care providers I may never have had the opportunity to work with,\u201d said Schmies. <\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Athletic](\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ATatUSOpen-744x1000.jpg\")
The local medical community came together to ensure spectator, volunteer and tournament staff medical needs were covered. The goal was to have all onsite medical volunteers with the appropriate level of training to either respond immediately to a person in need or activate the emergency care plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe way the medical sector and public safety sector teams came together to collaborate and problem solve during both the planning process and the event was so positive,\u201d said Schmies. \u201cEveryone joined forces and contributed from their specialty areas with a great outcome.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Working an event the size of the U.S. Senior Open might be overwhelming for some, but the athletic training students were prepared, thanks to their coursework and clinical rotations. Athletic training students at UW-Stevens Point have a variety of clinical experiences during their first year with clinical preceptors in the Stevens Point area. During their second year, clinical experiences can expand to settings across the nation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe students jumped right in and became part of the team,\u201d said Schmies. \u201cThey played a big part in prevention of heat illness by identifying those that looked like the heat was getting to them and handed out cooling towels and water. Their initiative and professional communication was a big reason we did not have any serious medical conditions.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While working on the 7,145-yard course that includes the famous Flower Hole, the student volunteers learned the importance of teamwork and communication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt is not something that everyone gets the opportunity to experience,\u201d said Taylor Fuerstenberg, a second-year graduate student from Sussex. \u201cIt was interesting to see how all medical professionals, from physicians to nurses to athletic trainers, work together to provide a safe environment for the spectators and volunteers.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tournament also provided the students with a hands-on opportunity outside the classroom that they can build upon for their future careers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI became more familiar with communicating medical needs via radio, and the importance of the \u2018better to have and not need, than to need and not have\u2019 mentality that was highly stressed throughout the event,\u201d said second-year master\u2019s student Sophia Reddan, Madison. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Even though the medical volunteer staff didn\u2019t provide care to any golfers, the golf community made a positive impression on Reddan. \u201cI had wonderful interactions with the spectators, and I felt very welcomed and appreciated throughout the whole event,\u201d said Reddan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fuerstenberg was also proud to be a part of the event and lend a hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt was a memorable experience being able to walk the course and talk to the spectators and volunteers that come from all over the United States to experience an event like this,\u201d said Fuerstenberg. \u201cEven if we could help a spectator or volunteer in a small way, it is always a rewarding experience.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"UWSP](\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/UWSPatSeniorOpen-1000x486.jpg\")
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