Athletic Training

How ATCs and others work together

- Communication between ATC and athlete's parents - Talking with team physician to compile medical history, diagnosis injuries, and decide on disqualification/return to play - Coaches should understand the limits of their ability to act as a health care provider and be certified in CPR, AED, and first aid

How athletic training is regulated in states

- Licensure- least strict - Certification - Registration - Exemption- most strict

Work Setting

- Used to be in high school and colleges only working with athletes -Now, ATCs can work in a variety of settings with the physically active population ~ NASA, military, performing arts, hospitals/clinics, NASCAR, industrial settings, law enforcement, etc.

Six domains of athletic training

1) Prevention 2) Clinical evaluation and diagnosis 3) Immediate Care 4) Treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning 5) Organization and administration 6) Professional responsibilities

Organization and Administration

1) Record keeping 2) Ordering equipment and supplies 3) Supervising personnel 4) Establishing of polyaes for the operation of AT programs

Team Physician should provide a medical diagnosis

1) Understanding the pathology of injury and illness 2) Referring to medical care 3) Referring to support services (Physician specializations)

Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Reconditioning

1. Designing rehabilitation programs 2. Supervising rehab programs 3. Incorporating therapeutic modalities (ice, heat) 4. Offering psychosocial intervention a. Understand the psyche of the athlete b. Know that patients vary (pain threshold, cooperation, emotions) c. Sports psych (visualizations, self-hypnosis, and relaxation) d. ATC in a critical role

Maintaining Certification

1. Get 50 CEUs every 2 years a. 10 have to be EBP (Evidence-based practice) 2. Maintain CPR/AED certification 3. Meet state standards a. In Colorado, we have DORA (departure of regulatory agencies

Immediate Care

ATC appropriate first aid, management of acute injury; must be certified in CPR and use of AEDs - Must have well-established emergency action plans (EAPs) for c-spine, lightning, allergic reactions, diabetes, etc.

Professional Responsibilities

ATCs must act as: 1. Educators 2. Counselors 3. Researchers a. based on evidence-based medicine (EBM)

Prevention

Making the competitive environment as safe as possible in order to minimize the risk of injury by: 1) Conducting pre-participation exams (PPE) 2) Ensuring appropriate training and conditioning of the athlete 3) Monitoring environmental conditions to ensure safe participation (weather, air pollution, or field conditions) 4) Selecting properly fitting, and maintaining protective equipment 5) Making sure the athlete is eating properly 6) Making sure the athlete is using medications properly (discourage substance abuse)

Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis

Off-the-field exam: 1. Brief medical history 2. Observation 3. Palpation 4. Special tests (ROM, muscle strength, joint stability, brief neurological exam) - These steps are also called HOPS or History, Observation, Palpation, and Special tests

Professional behaviors

Personal qualities: - Stamina and ability to adapt - Empathy - Sense of humor - Ability to communicate - Intellectual curiosity - Ethics

Education of an Athletic trainer

Steps to becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer: 1. Go to a CAATE accredited school 2. Pass the BOC exam