Clinic, Birkebeiner renew partnership for annual ski event

Marshfield Clinic and the American  Birkebeiner will partner again in 2012 to make the widely popular cross-country ski event a safe one for participants and spectators.

Renewing its major sponsorship of the Birkebeiner, the Clinic has also agreed to continue with its onsite medical staffing on the first floor of the Sawyer County Courthouse, near the finish line of the February 25 race. For the past two years, about 20 Marshfield Clinic physicians, medical assistants and nurses have teamed with area paramedics and physical therapists to care for any medical issues that arise before, during and after the race.

"Marshfield Clinic has appreciated the opportunity to be part of such a great spectacle with a long and rich history," said Tom Schwab, Marshfield Clinic Hayward Center administrator who oversees staffing for the event. "Our staff has felt appreciated and looks forward to being part of the Birkebeiner for years to come."

The 2011 Birkebeiner kept the Marshfield Clinic providers extremely busy because of the cold temperatures. About 250 participants had to be treated for everything from frostbite to ankle sprains. Fortunately, only one person had to be transferred to a nearby hospital, with a heart issue.

In 2010, a participant collapsed near the finish line. Marshfield Clinic staff stabilized the heart attack victim, he was taken to a hospital and survived.

The Clinic has been part of the Hayward community since it opened its Center there in May 2010.