In the fast paced contact sport of roller derby, there is one hero behind the scenes that may not immediately come to mind when thinking about how we put on bouts, but who arguably has the most crucial role to serve on the track: the humble medic.
“Medics are essential to making sure we can put on fun and safe games for the skaters,” says, Slaughterhouse Glide, “We would not be able to do any of this without them ready to help in case anything goes wrong!”
FoCo Roller Derby is looking for more volunteers to help with this crucial role, so while we recruit for it, we thought we’d give you our top 5 reasons why Medics are so important to our league.
1. They Keep Players Safe
Medics respond quickly to injuries during games. This is especially crucial for a sport where head injuries like concussions and traumatic brain injuries, or major bone breaks happen occasionally. On the track, medics are our first line of defense in providing an expert opinion on whether skaters can safely continue competing when accidents happen. They also help prevent minor injuries from becoming serious ones, for example, if the team were to move an injured player too quickly after an injury. And having them there at all bouts gives us enormous peace of mind as skaters, providing reassurance during high-adrenaline moments.
2. They Support the Entire Derby Community
Although the most common reason we’d need a medic is related to injured players, it’s also important to note that medic care isn’t limited to skaters — officials, volunteers, and fans may also need assistance. In crowds like ours, it’s so important to maintain the safest environment possible for our fans and the folks who help us put on bouts.
3. They Bring Calm During Chaos
Injuries can create stress and emotional reactions, but medics provide steady, professional guidance in tense situations. They keep calm when other folks might be tempted to panic. Their confidence helps players, teammates, and coaches stay focused and helps loved ones know that their person is in the best hands. Medics are often the calmest people in the loudest room.
4. They Volunteer Time and Expertise
Derby medics volunteer or dedicate long hours to support the sport. They often prepare supplies, tape injuries, and remain on standby for entire events. Their training and experience are invaluable, but we also hope the experience they get while volunteering with us translates back to them. For example, volunteering as a medic is a great way to log community service hours for pre-med students or for anyone who is continuing their education, going for more certifications, or deepening their sports medicine knowledge.
5. They Help Build Confidence in the Sport
Medics make players feel safer taking the track knowing medical support is available if they need it. Families, new skaters, and spectators gain trust in derby events because safety is prioritized and backed with real expertise. And their strong medical support reflects professionalism and care within the league.
Medics are more than emergency responders — they are trusted teammates and valued members of the derby family. FoCo Roller Derby thanks our generous medics for their dedication, expertise and assistance on the front lines of our sport.
Curious about becoming a medic for FCRD?
We are looking for wonderful professional medical volunteers to make sure we can keep our players safe and put on a good game! There will always be at least two medical volunteers so you’ll never be by yourself. Check out the qualifications to see if you’d be a fit!
How to Qualify as a volunteer Medic for FoCo Roller Derby
You may be eligible if one of these things describes your experience:
- Certified First Responders (CFRs) Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or Paramedics
- Athletic trainer with CPR training
- Licensed Practical or Registered Nurse with current CPR training and sports medicine, orthopedic and or emergency experience
- Nurse Practitioner or Physicians Assistant with current CPR and sports medicine, orthopedic and or emergency experience
Do you think you’d make a good medic? Reach out to slaughterhouseglide@focorollerderby.org