Chapter 21: Who Should Provide Medical Care? Athletic Trainer or First Responder?

By: Cindy Jezuit

High School Athletic Participation and Injury

• 2010-2011 there was an increase in overall athletic participation in high school, which increases injury.

• In 2005-2006, high risk sports such as football compiled nearly 517,726 injuries.– Minor cuts– Bruises– Sprains (most common in football)– Concussion – Death

Most notable medical problem:– Heat cramps– Exhaustion– Stroke

Athletic Trainer vs. First Responder• In the beginning college athletics were the only ones who had athletic trainers

there in case of an emergency. For high school, it was only coaches and volunteers certified in First Aid that could help in an emergency.

Athletic Trainers- considered the “jack of all trades”- specialize in prevention, diagnosis, and intervention

Red Cross says… “ a first responder is a person that is trained only in emergency care who may be required to provide care in a community place of employment.”

Difference between a AT and First Responder? A license to practice Amount of education AT is required 75 hours of training every three years First Responder only have “smaller certifications” (CPR)

Medical Coverage in High Schools in the United States

• In 2011, about 42% of high schools employed an AT.• Athletic trainers are educated and have the skills to properly assess and treat

athletic injuries. Most situations should not be left to a coach that doesn’t have proper training.

On January 27, 2010…~ Advocates for Injured Athletes spoke with the sate pushing for athletic

trainers in all schools. This was developed from a situation regarding a boys cervical vertebrae during a lacrosse game. If an athletic trainer wasn’t on the scene at that time, the injury could have gotten worse.

~ After that, coaches are required to have CPR/First Aid certifications on file for when they are coaching a team.

Similar situations…- Coaches are required to complete safety courses (concussions or heat illness)

The Growing Issue in North Carolina• There has been a clear issue in North

Carolina (AT vs. First Responder)• The State Board of Education Injury

Management Policy mandates that all high schools either have a licensed AT or a first responder providing medical coverage for football games and practice. If there are volunteers or paid first responders present they are required to attend 20 hour Injury Management Workshops.

• In 2008, North Carolina had about 49% of high schools with an AT, leaving greater than 50% of medical care for high school athletes to first responder with minimal medical training. A stranger off the street can take a 20 hour course and then stand on the sideline at a game.

Where we go from here…?• Participation in high school sports will only keep growing, so

people should expect injury to happen.• Its hard to prevent injury, but if you have the proper

personnel to insure the best care in those situations.• We spend a lot of time worrying about the best coaches in

high schools but we need to start making the sacrifices and put in time thinking about who is providing proper medical care on the sidelines as well.