What is an Athletic Trainer?

The certified athletic trainer (ATC) is a highly educated and skilled professional specializing in athletic health care. In cooperation with physicians and other allied health personnel, the certified athletic trainer functions as an integral member of the athletic health care team in secondary school, colleges and universities, sports medicine clinics, professional sports programs, and other athletic health care settings.

Education
Certified athletic trainers have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree usually in athletic training, health, physical education or exercise science. New standards enacted by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) Board of Certification to take place 2004 will require that all candidates in hopes of being eligible for the certification exam must possess a post-baccalaureate degree in athletic training from an accredited college or university.

In addition to the introductory and advanced athletic training classes, athletic trainers study human anatomy, human physiology, Biomechanics, exercise physiology, athletic training, nutrition, and psychology/counseling.

Athletic Trainer’s Role
A certified athletic trainer has many different responsibilities when providing athletic health care. In March 1982 the National Athletic Trainers Association, in conjunction with the Professional Examination Service, completed a Role Delineation study. The study identified six "major tasks" or areas of competency for the certified athletic trainer.

• Prevention of athletic injury/illness
• Evaluation of athletic injury/illness
• First aid and emergency care
• Rehabilitation and reconditioning
• Counseling and guidance
• Organization and administration

Prevention of Athletic Injury
One major responsibility of the athletic trainer is to make the competitive environment as safe as possible to reduce the likelihood of injury. If injury could be prevented initially, then there would be no need for first aid and subsequent rehabilitation.

Evaluation of Athletic Injuries
Frequently, the certified athletic trainer is the person to see an athlete who has sustained an injury. The athletic trainer must be able to efficiently and accurately evaluate that injury. Information obtained in this initial evaluation may be critical later when swelling, pain and guarding mask some of the functional signs of the injury.

It is essential that the certified athletic trainer be alert and observe, as much as possible, everything that occurs in practice and games. Invaluable information regarding the nature of the injury can be obtained by actually seeing the mechanism of the injury.

The subsequent on-field examination should include:

• Obtaining a brief "history" of exactly what happened
• Observation
• Palpation
• Range of motion evaluation
• Muscle strength evaluation
• Functional joint stability tests
• Brief neurological examination

Information obtained in this initial evaluation should be documented by the athletic trainer and given to the physician if the athlete is to be referred.

First Aid and Emergency Care
The certified athletic trainer is responsible for administering appropriate first aid to the injured athlete and for making correct decisions in the management of acute injury. The certified athletic trainer must possess sound skills, not only in the initial recognition and evaluation of potential serious life-threatening injuries, bur also in emergency care. The certified athletic trainer must be certified in CPR and first aid. Many athletic trainers have gone beyond these essential basic certifications and have completed requirements for emergency medical technician (EMT).

Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
Once the certified athletic trainer or team physician has evaluated the injury, the rehabilitation process begins immediately. In most cases, the athletic trainer will design and supervise an injury rehabilitation program, modifying that program within the healing process. The certified athletic trainer must also be familiar with therapeutic modalities and therapeutic exercise techniques if the rehabilitation program is to be successful.

Counseling and Guidance
The certified athletic trainer is responsible for counseling and advising athletes not only with regard to rehabilitation and treatment specific to injuries but also on any matter that might help the athlete. It is the certified athletic trainer’s responsibility to keep all information in the training room confidential.

Organization and Administration
The certified athletic trainer is responsible for the organization and administration of the athletic training room facility, including requisition and inventory of the necessary supplies and supervision of assistant or student athletic trainers.

Facts about Certified Athletic Trainers        
An Athletic Trainer's Educational Background
Athletic Trainer vs Personal Trainer
Who's Treating Your Kids? Certified Athletic Trainers in Secondary Schools

Forest Park High School Athletic Training
Student Athletic Training Assistant Manual

 INTRODUCTION This manual was prepared to give you the student an insight into the guidelines, policies, and procedures, which are expected to be adhered to by the student trainers here at Forest Park. This manual has been designed to assist the student in fulfilling practical experiences and educational learning in Athletic Training. The student is expected to read this manual and follow the guidelines that have been established. If you have any questions pertaining to this manual or about guidelines and policies contact me. JESSICA SHANKS MS, ATC, VATL. shanksjl@pwcs.edu--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
DRESS & APPEARANCE POLICY The Student Athletic Training Aide has only one opportunity to make a "first impression". If you appear intelligent and confident people will perceive you as such. The following policy will be adhered to at all times while a student is representing Forest Park Athletic Training. Appropriate Attire: A clean shirt that is appropriate for the workplace, wind pants,  shorts with belt loops (not P.E. shorts) and Khakis. You may wear and "Forest Park" related attire.
Inappropriate Attire: Jeans, torn or dirty clothing. Clothing with inappropriate pictures or writing. *NOTE* ATHLETIC TRAINERS MUST BE OUTGOING, SINCERE, AND COOPERATIVE. THEY MUST ALSO BE RESOURCEFUL, EMOTIONALLY STABLE AND IN CONTROL OF PERSONAL HABITS. THIS MEANS CLEAN CUT, NEATLY DRESSED AND STUDENTS MUST DEMONSTRATE GOOD HYGIENE

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GAME COVERAGE - OUTDOORS Appropriate Attire: Polo style Shirt, clean T-shirt, wind jacket, warm coat. Wind pants or slacks, un-frayed Sweatshirt.  Look professional and stay comfortable. Dress for outdoor activities as the weather dictates. Long hours are spent outside. Sun, rain, and snow are a part of the job.
COLD WEATHER DRESS Dress in layers: Insulating layer includes: long underwear, turtleneck, sweatshirt, fleece. Protective layer includes: waterproof rain coat, wind shell or winter coat, hat, gloves, warm socks, warm and waterproof shoes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GAME COVERAGE - INDOORS Students are expected to wear dress clothes at indoor events such as Basketball. Exceptions to this policy are: Volleyball, Wrestling and all day tournaments.
FEMALE Appropriate Attire: *Blouse or polo *Slacks or Khakis *Skirt *Dress Shoes *Remember NO HEELS you may be on your feet for a long time and have to run to assist an athlete.
MALE Appropriate Attire: *Dress or polo shirt *Slacks or Khakis *Sweater
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MODALITY PROCEDURES MODALITIES ARE TO BE USED ONLY UNDER DIRECT SUPERVISION OF AN ATC Direct supervision means that an ATC must be present in the room when these specified modalities are being used.
ELECTRICAL MODALITIES Cannot be used by high school students at any time.
HOT PACKS Make sure the packs are adequately padded with 1 or 2 hot pack covers and a towel on the outside of the hot pack cover.

TAPING 1. Athletes must be evaluated by the ATC and a need for taping established.
2. Athletes being taped should be on a rehab program unless otherwise specified.
3. No ankles will be taped without direct authorization by the ATC.  Athletes that need ankle support must wear rigid ankle braces. Student Trainers must be checked off on their tapping techniques before being allowed to tape the athletes.

INJURY PROCEDURES REPORT ALL INJURIES TO HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER! Minor Injuries: Cuts, scratches, abrasions, etc... Use sterile techniques to prevent Disease transmission, always use gloves and wash hands after treatment. Dispose of contaminated material in a red biohazard bag and place in the biohazard container in the training room.
1. Administer First Aid. As per your level of knowledge and training.
2. Record injuries on Injury Report. To be reviewed by ATC
3. Recheck after cleaning.

Minor to Moderate Injuries: Sprains, Strains, Contusions, and Dizziness.
1. Evaluation by the ATC
2. First Aid as per your level of knowledge and training.
3. Minor sprains, strains, treated at game or practice by the ATC
4. More severe sprains, strains, protect notify ATC
5. Record Injury
6. Discuss Injury with ATC

Serious Injuries: Fractures, Dislocations, Head Injuries, and Internal Injuries DO NOT MOVE THE ATHLETE!
1. Send someone for the ATC immediately, don't leave your patient.
2. Evaluate- Primary survey 
3. First Aid - Treat life-threatening problems first (A.B.C.s)
4. Stabilize Athlete - Treat for shock, prevent further injury.
5. If ATC is not available the coach is responsible for all decisions concerning treatment.
6. Report all injuries to the ATC immediately.

STUDENT TTHLETIC TRAINING AIDES DO NOT MAKE DETERMINATIONS AS TO THE EXTENT OF AN INJURY AND/OR TREATMENT PROTOCOLS. IF THE ATC IS NOT AVAILABLE THE TEAM COACH IS IN CHARGE OF THE EMERGENCY AND MAKES ALL FINAL DECISIONS.

INJURY REPORT PROCEDURES: Injuries occurring on the field must be recorded on an event injury form.  Event injury reports follow up notes, and doctor’s scripts must be copied and turned into the health office for insurance purposes, originals must be placed in the athletes file.
1. All injuries recorded on proper forms immediately.
2. Intramural, Physical Education, Visiting athletes, and Recreational injuries must be noted on an event injury form.
3. Be sure the ATC is notified of all injuries.
4. Instruct the athlete to report to Training Room the next day for re-evaluation, and treatment.
5. Student Trainers must consult the ATC if they think an athlete needs medical attention.
6. Referral for X-ray will be made by the coaches when the ATC. is not available.


GENERAL TRAINING ROOM POLICIES
1. Athletes should leave all equipment, books, and coats in lockers or hall.
2. Athletes will not place shoes on tables, or chairs.
3. Athletes are not to wear cleats in training room.
4. Athletes must refrain from abusive or inappropriate language and behavior.
5. Athletes should shower before re-evaluation.
6. Athletes should not be taped on practice fields or game fields. Taping should be done in the training room before practice or contests.
7. Athletes should not be kept late in the training room for taping unless told otherwise.
8. Athletes must be signed out for all braces, wraps and protective equipment.

DAILY LIST FOR TRAINING ROOM OPENING
1. Prepare Heel Lace pads with Skin-Lube with tongue depressors.
2. Unlock all cabinets, and drawers.
3. Clean the tables.
4. Check all supplies and stock if necessary.
5. Check practice and game schedule.

DAILY LIST FOR CLOSING TRAINING ROOM
1. Straighten out cabinets and fill accordingly.
2. Lock all cabinets when finished.
 3. Lock all doors and closets.
4. Disinfect all tables, stools, bike seats, and counters.
5. Fill hydrocollator.
6. Fill counter top supplies.
7. Replace all caps on ointments.
8. Put dirty towels in hampers.
9. Put clean towels in cabinet.
10. Put all rehab equipment away safely and neatly.
11. Refill ice massage cups.
12. Shut off radio, fan, and computer equipment.
13. Make sure all injuries are recorded

STUDENT DUTIES
Pre Taping Session
1. Report to Training Room on time.
2. Check with Head Trainer for work to be done.
3. Be aware of which practices and games are going on each day.
4. Do not just sit around, there is always cleaning to be done.
5. Be aware of equipment needs for each team.
6. Make sure all athletes are following their rehab programs correctly.
7. Record all athletes on the daily sign in form.
8. Check all supplies- Cabinets, and equipment.
9. Stock team kits.


NOTE: If there is nothing to be done practice tapping, first aid skills or read the athletic training textbooks, don't just sit around.