Tactical Sports Medicine NZ
FIT FOR DUTY | FIT FOR LIFE
Taking care of those that take care of us.
MY STORY
Dr. Yaso Beckford
I am a Specialist Sport and Exercise Medicine Physician and hold a Fellowship from the Australasian College of Sports Medicine (FACSEP). I am the founder of Beckford Sports Medicine, a holistic sports medicine clinic. I trained as a scientist specialising in Medical Microbiology prior to embarking on a medical career.
I qualified as a doctor from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and have worked in both surgery and emergency medicine prior to specialising in sport and exercise medicine. I have lived and worked in seven different countries and am proud to call Christchurch home since 2005.
I have worked within elite sport teams both in Scotland and here in New Zealand. I have been part of the Scottish Rugby and have worked with Tactix Netball, Crusaders Development Squad, Red Devils Ice Hockey and the New Zealand Football Ferns.
A passionate academic, I also hold a role as Adjunct Research Fellow at Lincoln University and am a reviewer to the British Journal of Sports Medicine and Contributing Author to Clinical Sports Medicine (6th Edition). I have been invited to speak at the MCTI (Mission Critical Team Institute) a global think tank that looks at the success and survivability of Mission Critical teams.
"My world collided with that of the tactical police when I was working at the Emergency Department on March 15 the day of the Mosque Shooting, the biggest terrorist attack in New Zealand."
Over the months following that attack, I started working with tactical police officers and paramedics to help manage their injuries and we shared our stories of that fateful day. I slowly came to realise that not only was I helping them, but they too were also helping me to process the horrors of what I had experienced that day and our relationship grew and evolved.
From being in the throws of losing our house during the Christchurch Earthquake, whilst having a husband deploy as an Urban Search and Rescue Engineer, I have intimate experience of the life and role of tactical professionals.
Since then, I have worked closely with all tactical athletes from the police, military, fire and paramedicine. I have developed an in depth understanding of operational requirements, load carriage and mental and physical toll of an injury. I have been privileged to participate in training days with the teams, travel overseas to observe elite tactical teams and work with researchers in this area. I have spent many hours watching, observing, and learning from my tactical patients and working alongside them to find a solution that best fits their role and way of life. I have come to appreciate their black humour, shared in their joys when they pass qualifications, berated them getting injured but most importantly developed a deep respect for their commitment to keeping us safe.
Talks & Lectures
Dr Beckford is experienced at speaking to small and large groups both nationally and internationally, both live and virtually.
Lectures and workshops are designed to raise awareness on how to reduce injuries in tactical teams, improve wellbeing and balance, and understand the complexity of issues related to Operator Syndrome in health.
Why Tactical Professionals are Unique
Tactical professionals in military, law enforcement, paramedicine and fire service face significant physical demands with potential exposure to life-threatening events, yet often lack the specialist care afforded to elite athletes.
01 Specialist Care Gap
While top-level athletes have access to multidisciplinary resources to recover and return to sport, tactical professionals are often not offered the same options.
02 Operational Load
Most tactical professionals must wear and carry heavy equipment. They need unique training plans that develop the endurance and capacity to manage those loads effectively.
03 Unpredictable Tempo
Understanding the unpredictable nature of their work and the need to always be operationally ready is critical to their management and rehabilitation.
What I Offer
Drawing on my 25 years of experience both in Sports Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Surgery I am able to use the tools that I use for treating elite athletes to manage injuries in tactical professionals.
Prompt Specialist Access
Easy and prompt access to Specialist-level care, with a focus on diagnosis and appropriate imaging such as MRI scans.
Multidisciplinary
A detailed multidisciplinary plan with input from physiotherapists and rehabilitation coaches, plus appropriate medical clearances for work.
Established Relationships
Good communication and established working relationships with NZDF, Police, Fire & Emergency, and Hato Hone St John.
Fitness & Duty Readiness
An understanding to achieve fitness testing requirements and how to be operational ready and fit for duty.
Partners & Associated Organisations
