I’m posting on Friday because Wednesday was a little busy with weather preparations for Winter Storm Niko. But, the delay dropped us a great WNTDW topic.
Fortunately, all reports indicate that this cheerleader is ok and does not have significant injuries.
Cheerleading is a demanding and occasionally dangerous activity with a lot of falls. The what not to do portion hits three times within this video.
Admittedly, all videos of this event have a small break in the video between the fall and the cheerleader being carried out. However, the first WNTD occurs when a member of the coaching staff chooses to carry the injured cheerleader from the court. This cheerleader fell on her back and struck her head against the floor. She should have been checked by the medical staff.
The coaching staff member then chose to run/walk at a very fast pace while carrying someone who has been injured. Again, with a potential head and back injury, this is a definite WNTD.
Finally, because the person was moving fast while carrying the cheerleader, he was unable to see that his path was not clear which caused him to trip, fall, and drop the injured cheerleader.
Each of these WNTD’s could have been prevented by making sure that all staff members were instructed and trained on emergency procedures in the event of an injury. With the potential head, neck, and back injuries, this cheerleader should have left the court on a stretcher/backboard – not carried by hand.
NJ Ergonomics Blog 