‘Prepared to handle any situation that pops up’: How Texans’ emergency medical seminar, training increases readiness

HOUSTON – The helmet and shoulder pads were moved, and the jersey cut off from the mannequin simulating a real football player.

During an emergency medical seminar, Texans athletic training staff and medical personnel practiced techniques and best practices in the event of a serious injury or illness at the Houston Methodist Training Center.

Inside the indoor practice bubble used by the defending AFC South champions, the Texans worked on readiness in case something catastrophic were to unfold.

The Buffalo Bills’ medical team, lauded for saving the life of safety Damar Hamlin during a cardiac arrest, is a prime example of how having an emergency plan in place is critical for the safety of players.

“The biggest thing with Damar is no one in American had seen that happen in an NFL game,” said Darryl Conway, the University of Michigan athletic department chief health and wellness officer. “So, millions of people watching now believe there can be a cardiac arrest on the field. We had been training for it. They saw the response and the value of that kind of training.”

Last December at NRG Stadium, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Grant DuBose was hospitalized after suffering a helmet-to-helmet hit from Texans safety Calen Bullock. He was taken off the field on a stretcher and was hospitalized after a scary situation where he was motionless for at least 15 minutes. His jersey was cut off and he was placed in a neck brace and then strapped to a spine board. He made a full recovery and had movement in all extremities after suffering an apparent concussion.

Before kickoff, the Texans and Dolphins medical staffs compared notes in case something serious happened.

“We had a scenario where everyone on site was ready do to their job,” said Ezrom Bryson, the Texans’ senior assistant athletic trainer. “Everybody had to be on the same page. It’s truly beneficial because we all have emergencies in life. We have them on the football field as well. We want to make sure we’re prepared to handle any situation that pops up. We prepare for a lot of different scenarios to make sure we’re ready.”

Conway compared this type of training as the equivalent of football practice for players and coaches.

“It’s the same thing,” Conway said. “This is a Tuesday practice for an athletic training staff. We go through these scenarios. We put the clock on them. We make those corrections as we go through scenarios. We say, ‘This should be the worst day of your life’ as we practice things you hope you never go through in your career.”

The Texans invited athletic training staff from two local colleges, Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M, to share information.

“It’s extremely important,” said Nilaja Williams, Prairie View interim assistant athletic director of sports medicine. “It’s great because we’re always picking up new tips like how to take off the helmet. This way is more efficient. To be able to collaborate and see what everyone else is doing, you learn something new.”

Texas Southern director of sports medicine Jeorgia Sanders said she learned a lot from this interaction.

“I think today was very beneficial for us,” Sanders said. “It was nice to see everybody on the same page and learning different techniques we can use. It was a good refresher to be here from different levels things they’re implementing we can potentially use.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com