The discomfort on stage of the actress Carole Bouquet on Wednesday evening, taken care of quickly, reminded us: doctors are often ready to intervene behind the scenes… but also in the room. In France, an association of Theater Doctors in Paris and the Paris Region organizes itself behind the scenes to be present and discreetly watch over the theater in the event of discomfort or injury. And this “lining” is nothing new.
Is there a doctor in the room? Well yes!
More than seventy years ago, a decree required the joint presence of a doctor, a firefighter and a police officer in performance halls. Although this obligation has since disappeared, the tradition has been maintained at the discretion of the theaters.
Today, the association collaborates with nearly 80 establishments, public or private, mainly in Paris. Large capacity places, generally exceeding 400 places.
“That’s about 80 performances per day, for which we try to have a doctor present” assures Dr Jacques Reverberi, general secretary of the Association, to True Medical.
A spectator ready to intervene at the slightest twist
How does this happen? Concretely, the designated doctor arrives a quarter of an hour before, equipped with his medical kit. He is assigned a specific place (he is allowed one guest), he is always positioned in the same place. Where we know we can come and get it. “It has to be accessible without disturbing everyone. Then, when the show is over, he waits until everyone is evacuated to go out.”
In the event of a spectator, actor or even a staff member in difficulty, the doctor acts without delay and free of charge. “80% of cases are bobology, discomfort, things that can be easily resolved. So above all, it prevents people from being transferred to hospital” explains Dr. Reverberi.
“And then from time to time, unfortunately, we have more serious pathologies”he admits. There, the role of the doctor becomes essential.
“As we are the first to notice what has happened, we can specify at 15 for example who it is, transfer the patient directly to the clinic or send them to cardiology without going through the standard emergency room. It’s a time saver.”
The combination of drama and medicine that we didn’t expect
For the doctor, it is a “fabulous deal”which must be preserved. “It works very well and it allows for an exchange between the theater and us, without money.” A good process which also calms the whole team on stage and behind the scenes.
“Theater people are also very reassured to have us for good performances”.
Because casually, between the discomfort, the heatstroke, or the possible falls of the actors, like the spectators… Having a doctor in the room allows the show to remain alive… and in good health.