Red Sox honor First Aid team

The Boston Red Sox paid tribute to its BIDMC First Aid team Tuesday night in a pregame ceremony before taking on the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park.

"This never gets old," said a smiling Cyndi Casey, RN, as she and other BIDMC Emergency Department staff gathered around the hallowed home plate area snapping proud photos of each other with cell phones.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our first ceremony this evening recognizes Fenway Park's medical care staff for their hard work," the announcer boomed. "During the 2010 season, 60 doctors and nurses take turns covering the games to take care of you. And, in the event that you might need a hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess' Emergency Department is just down the street."

Since becoming the Official Hospital of the Boston Red Sox and Red Sox Nation, this is the seventh year that BIDMC and BID-Needham ED staff have been honored at the park.

This is the third season Jessica Klausmeier, MD, a third year resident who grew up in Oregon, has helped staff the First Aid station. "We get an inside view of the park and get to see areas no one else hardly ever gets to see," she said. "My wife is from Middleboro and is a huge Red Sox fan, so working these games, or an event like the Aerosmith concert, give me huge bragging rights with her."

While most fans need First Aid for minor headaches, cuts and scrapes, or the occasional strained muscle from trying to shag a foul ball, the BIDMC team stationed strategically around the historic park is ready for any emergency, including heart attacks and strokes. "People expect to see a first aid station, but when they come in they see we have a small emergency room," said Dan Nadworny, RN, Clinical Manager.

Nadworny said he and the rest of the BIDMC staff are excited for the 2011 season for more than just the chance to see the Red Sox pursue another trophy. "During the offseason the Sox will be renovating the current first aid," he said. "It will be a more professional space that will improve patient flow and provide first aid to Red Sox Nation for the next 100 years in this ball park."