1. Emergency Situations and Injury assessments
David Smith MS ATC
Sports Medicine 1

2. 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

3. 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

4. Emergency Plan
Show example and review

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Secondary Survey Check Vital signs Check Symptoms Get Medical History
Perform Musculoskeletal Evaluation
Consider Treatment options

9. Any athlete who is conscious and stable does not need a primary survey, only secondary survey
Unconscious Athlete
Call EMS (911) before beginning treatment

10. Control Bleeding Take Precautions, WEAR GLOVES!!! Direct Pressure
Elevate body part
Apply pressure to pressure points above bleeding site. (Radial or Femoral Arteries)

11. Shock When enough blood is not available to the CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Occurs when severe bleeding, fractures, internal injuries, extreme fatigue, dehydration and heat illnesses

12. 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

13. On Field Assessment Off Field Assessment Determine severity of injury
RICE
How to transport off field or court
Off Field Assessment
HOPS