Spearhead Trails Christens New Ballad Health Medical Aid Station
Spearhead Trails, a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Southwest Virginia, has announced the new Ballad Health Medical Aid Station at its Sportsman Adventures Complex, which will serve as a vital resource for medical emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of visitors.
The medical aid station was made possible when the health system and Norton Community Hospital donated a trauma kit containing a torniquet and other supplies to address serious injuries, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for cardiac emergencies and $10,000 for additional first aid supplies to Spearhead Trails.
“We are committed to providing comprehensive care throughout the Appalachian Highlands, and our regional network of care is strengthened through collaborations with local organizations,” said Shannon Showalter, CEO for Ballad Health operations in Wise, Lee and Dickenson counties. “Working with places like Spearhead Trails – which sees thousands of visitors a year – allows us to extend vital resources and support throughout our communities and further promote emergency preparedness and education.”
Furnishing the Ballad Health Medical Aid Station is the health system’s latest support with Spearhead Trails. In 2023, Ballad Health held a seminar to provide defibrillator, first aid and CPR training and supplied tourniquet and trauma response kits to the staff of Spearhead Trails and several local emergency response agencies, including Clintwood EMS and Fire Department. During that training, Virginia State Police also flew its Aviation Unit helicopter to Spearhead Trails to review procedures for medical emergencies and situational protocols for search, rescue and medical evacuations.
“At outdoor recreational areas like Spearhead Trails, timely medical intervention can make all the difference,” said Dr. Herbert Ladley, a practicing cardiologist and chief medical officer of Ballad Health’s services in Wise, Dickenson and Lee counties. “The AED and financial support we were blessed to be able to supply will help ensure visitors to Spearhead Trails can receive immediate care in the event of a medical emergency. We are proud to give back to our community by contributing to the safety and well-being of those who enjoy these beautiful trails."
“Remote and rural areas of Southwest Virginia are also parts of the Ballad Health Trauma Network,” said Anita Perry, corporate director of trauma services and EMS for Ballad Health. “We want to do what we can to ensure the teams at Spearhead are prepared with the right resources to help them best respond to medical emergencies. By providing tools like AEDs and establishing medical aid stations, we can help bridge the gap in emergency services and improve outcomes for those enjoying outdoor activities in these beautiful but remote areas."
Spearhead Trails spans approximately 600 miles across seven counties in Southwest Virginia, offering diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, off-road vehicle use and marksmanship. The trails have significantly impacted the local economy, generating approximately $15 million in economic impact for the region in 2019.
“We are incredibly thankful for Ballad Health's support,” said Rick Wood, board chair of the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority, which oversees Spearhead Trails. “The establishment of the Ballad Health Medical Aid Station and the provision of an AED will enhance our ability to serve tourists and locals alike. This partnership helps us continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all who visit Spearhead Trails."
The Spearhead Trails project was started and initially facilitated by Virginia Tourism Corporation’s Partnership Alliance Marketing division. In 2008, the Virginia General Assembly established the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority, whose purpose and goal is to oversee the development and management of the Spearhead Trail System within the counties of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, Wise and the City of Norton.
