Emergency Situations and Injury assessments David Smith MS ATC Sports Medicine 1
Emergency is An unforeseen combination of circumstances and the resulting state that calls for immediate action Time is critical in these situations No room for uncertainty, indecision or error
Emergency Plan Key to the beginning of the plan is your initial evaluation All programs must have a pre-arranged emergency action plan for all fields and/or courts
Emergency Plan Show example and review
Issues in Emergency System 1) Phones need to be accessible 2) Have a specific person call 911 A) Type of Emergency Situation B) Type of Suspected Injury C)Present Condition of the Athlete D) What treatment is being given e.g. CPR, Splinting,.. E) Exact Location of emergency F) Directions to get to and how to enter area G) Send people to the proper locations to help
3) Keys to all Padlocks must be accessible 4) Separate plans for each field or court 5) All must know their responsibilities 6) a responsible adult should always be present If the athlete is a minor, Parents must be notified ASAP Always cooperate and act professionally!! Don’t Panic, Stay Calm
Principles of Assessment Primary Survey Determine nature of injury Assess potential life threatening problems ABC’s Severe Bleeding Complicated Fractures Shock Once condition is stabilized the start secondary survey
Secondary Survey Check Vital signs Check Symptoms Get Medical History Perform Musculoskeletal Evaluation Consider Treatment options
Any athlete who is conscious and stable does not need a primary survey, only secondary survey Unconscious Athlete Call EMS (911) before beginning treatment
Control Bleeding Take Precautions, WEAR GLOVES!!! Direct Pressure Elevate body part Apply pressure to pressure points above bleeding site. (Radial or Femoral Arteries)
Shock When enough blood is not available to the CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Occurs when severe bleeding, fractures, internal injuries, extreme fatigue, dehydration and heat illnesses
Signs and Symptoms Treatment BP low e.g. 90/50 Pulse is rapid and weak Drowsy and sluggish Shallow, rapid breathing Pale, cool, clammy skin Treatment Maintain body temperature as close to normal Elevate body part
On Field Assessment Off Field Assessment Determine severity of injury RICE How to transport off field or court Off Field Assessment HOPS