|
|
|
|
|
|
The Need for a Certified Athletic Trainer
by Steve Cohen, Collegiate Coordinator, East Penn RU In the EPRU, we have found that a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) at our championship and all-star events is an invaluable asset in the proper care and well being of our players. Some people may argue that an EMT and ambulance are all that is needed for being prepared. We certainly agree with the value of the having an EMT and ambulance on site, specifically in the case of an serious injury requiring hospitalization and recommend there is one there. However, the value that an ATC brings starts with his or her understanding of how to handle emergency situations that do not necessarily require prompt hospitalization, which are the majority of injuries that occur during a match. The most significant role an ATC provides is in his or her ability to recognize, evaluate and provide care for injuries. For example, from the October 2001 EPRU men's collegiate championships over three matches, the event ATC had to deal with (in consecutive order):
EMTs are not trained to deal with on-the-field injuries, such as listed above, and making decisions about assessing a player's ability to return to play. Everyone is sent to the hospital for this assessment. If hospitalization is not required, they will not evaluate their condition and assess their ability to return to play, the ATC will. An ATC also provides skills in injury prevention by properly preparing an injured player for a match, such as by support for a sprained finger or ankle, etc. An ATC can also evaluate the difference between a grade 1 or grade 2 joint sprain or muscle strain and possible return to action. ATCs are also trained in CPR which is another invaluable asset to have field-side. One of the most valuable services an ATC provides is their ability to properly evaluate head injuries and make a determination if the player suffered any form of concussion. With the critical need in rugby for this to be properly assessed, the ATC is much more capable than the referee, player or coach. At the end of events or tournaments, they provide me with a written report on all head injuries for our followup to determine the player's condition and ability to play (also for enforcing the 3-week 'no practice or play' rule). If your club does not already utilize the services of an ATC for all matches, make the effort today to find one. The cost in the Philadelphia area for an ATC is typically $25 per hour plus $10 for supplies. If there is significant travel distance and tolls, that can be add a little more cost. Please do not let cost be a factor in making this important decision. If you are a collegiate club, show this article to your school administration, if necessary, so they can better understand the need to support your request for this service if available from the school or just provide the funding for you to hire a local ATC. Please contact myself or Dr. Merrick Wetzler (mjwetz@aol.com), EPRU Medical Committee Chair if you need any additional information. More detailed information about ATCs, including their education training, etc. can be found at: http://www.nata.org/publications/brochures/thecertifiedatc.htm http://www.nata.org/downloads/documents/306CareerInfoBrochure.htm http://www.nata.org/publications/press%20releases/whatifyourchild.htm Additional, NCAA information on Event Coverage discusses the need for "the presence of a person qualified and delegated to render emergency care to a stricken participant". The related NCAA Guidelines are at: http://www.ncaa.org/library/sports_sciences/sports_med_handbook/2001-02/1f.pdf http://www.ncaa.org/sports_sciences/sports_med_handbook/1a.pdf |
|
::: postings ::: forms ::: shop online ::: links ::: about EPRU ::: calendar ::: pay dues ::: sitemap ::: home ::: advertise on www.EPRU.org ::: men's div I &II ::: men's div III ::: women ::: men's college ::: women's college ::: high school boys ::: high school girls contact webmaster |