Athletic Training: Frontline Healthcare for Student-Athletes Garry Gillis, M.Ed., ATC, LAT Director of Heartland SPORT J

1. Athletic Training: Frontline Healthcare for Student-Athletes Garry Gillis, M.Ed., ATC, LAT Director of Heartland SPORT Jennifer Craig, MS, ATC, LAT

2. Who is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)? • Certified by the Board of Certification • Must be Licensed in the State of Florida • Skilled in the needs of physically active individuals • Allied healthcare professional who works within established protocols of a supervising physician

3. Why are there Certified Athletic Trainers? • Florida statute 468.70 states “It is the intent of the legislature that athletes be assisted by persons adequately trained to recognize, prevent and treat physical injuries sustained during athletic activities. Therefore, it is the further intent of the Legislature to protect the public by licensing and fully regulating Athletic Trainers.”

4. It isn’t as easy as it looks when….. • I’m assessing the seriousness of a neck injury when your football player is down on the field. • I’m applying tape to your soccer player’s injured ankle so she can safely compete in tonight’s match. • I’m monitoring your pitcher through a throwing progression so he can return to play at the state tournament.

5. Education Requirements • Bachelors’ of Science degree • Completion of Accredited Athletic Training program • Coursework includes 60 semester hours (involves extensive background in human anatomy/physiology, biomechanics and exercise physiology, as well as nutritional and psychosocial counseling) • Nearly 70% earn Master’s Degree

6. Certification Requirements • Must pass a three-part examination nationally administered by a board of certification • This test includes: • Written examination • Oral examination of skills • Practical simulation

7. Continuing Education • Required to maintain certification and a standard level of skill • The Certified Athletic Trainer must: • Earn 75 units (contact hours) of continuing education (CEU’s) every 3 years • CEU’s obtained through Board of Certification approved providers

8. License to Practice • The state of Florida requires, by law, that any person applying the principles and procedures within the scope of the athletic trainer’s practice act must be licensed • Each licensed athletic trainer is required to practice under a written protocol established between the athletic trainer and a supervising physician

9. Domains of Athletic TrainingNecessary Skills for Comprehensive Care • Prevention • Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis • Immediate Care • Treatment, Rehabilitation & Reconditioning • Organization and Administration • Professional Development

10. Prevention • Education • Medications, supplements • Protective Gear • Proper Hydration • Nutrition • Pre-participation Screenings • History of Previous Injury • Identify conditions which may compromise safe participation

11. Prevention • Identify safety hazards • Playing surfaces • Equipment maintenance • Monitor athletes & environmental conditions • Heat, Lightning • Mechanics of Sport • throwing, swimming, weightlifting, tackling

12. Prevention • Apply prophylactic protection • Taping, Bracing • Physical conditioning programs • Sport specific • Position specific • All seasons • Nutrition

13. YOU SEE ME TAPING AN ANKLE….. • I see the opportunity to reduce the risk of further injury • I am applying each strip taking into consideration what its function is. • I see an athlete who will compete with confidence. • I see an athlete participating in the sport they love.

14. Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis • Detailed Injury History • Personal interview, review of records • Visual observation and palpation of anatomical structures • Systematic orthopedic physical exam & testing

15. Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis • Formulate clinical impression • Educate individual about assessment • Risks, implications • Treatment options • Direct communication • Notify parents and coaches • Consult/refer to team physician

16. YOU SEE ME RUN ON THE FIELD WHEN AN INJURY OCCURS….. • I see the injury happen • I understand the mechanics of the injury • I perform a systematic assessment • I formulate a clinical impression • I decide the immediate care of their injury

17. Immediate Care • Activate the Emergency Medical System when medical transport is indicated • Initiate care to stabilize medical condition/injury • Facilitate referral to appropriate secondary care specialists • Education in standard procedure for emergency care

18. YOU SEE AN ATHLETE BEING PUT ON A STRETCHER….. • I see an athlete being handled by qualified healthcare professionals • I see an emergency plan being executed which will eliminate or minimize further injury • I see an athlete whose recovery has now begun • I see an athlete who is benefiting from the care of a Sports Medicine Team

19. Treatment, Rehabilitation & Re-Conditioning • Administer therapeutic modalities and exercises. • Educate and guide through rehabilitation following established protocols. • Reassess status during the course of treatment to determine appropriate return to play timeline. • Administer treatment for general illnesses or conditions.

20. YOU SEE A BAG OF ICE….. • I see an injury being treated now • I see an athlete guided through an aggressive rehabilitation program allowing for a safe and timely return to sport • I see an athlete physically and mentally prepared to participate in their sport • I see an athlete with less chance of re-injury • I see an athlete who was cared for from the moment of injury to the moment they returned to play

21. Organization and Administration • Establish plan of action for routine and emergency services. • Write policies and procedures for • Safe participation • Timely Care • Facility, treatment & activity areas • To promote safety and legal compliance • Maintain all records associated with the athlete’s care • Injury and treatment • Insurance • Physical forms and contact information

22. Professional Development • Maintain professional conduct and attitude • Maintain competence through continuing education • Educate the public about the role and standards of practice of the athletic trainer • Adhere to the statutory, regulatory and case law relating to the practice of athletic training

23. Why you might not always see me arrive or leave….. • I was here early getting ready for an away game • I was here early reviewing an athlete’s progress in rehabilitation • I was here late talking to the team physician about an injured athlete • I was here late because appropriate care of your athlete shouldn’t be delayed

24. The Central Role of ATC’s Communication is the key for successful outcomes!

25. Why not another allied healthcare professional? • Other allied healthcare professionals, such as EMTs/Paramedics/Physical Therapists, are specialists in certain areas. They do not have the education and training to provide care from the moment of injury to the moment the athlete returns to play. • The formal education and acquired skills of the certified/licensed athletic trainer encompasses a comprehensive approach to the healthcare of the physically active population

26. Why every school should have an Athletic Trainer • Relieves coaches and administrators from having to make critical decisions when an injury occurs • Parents can be reassured that a qualified allied health professional is in charge of the health and safety of their child • In 1999, the American Medical Association (AMA) recommended schools with athletic programs provide the services of an athletic trainer for their athletes

27. Why every school should have an Athletic Trainer {cont’d} • An athletic trainer may decrease the possibility of litigation being brought against a school district • ATC’s are true sports medicine professional – all professional teams employee an ATC, high school student-athletes are no less important!