1. H.O.P.S. Mrs. Marr

2. Athletic Injury Assessment Our job is to use a methodical approach, based on knowledge of injury mechanisms and human anatomy plus our previous experiences, to determine if the athlete should continue to play or should wait until further investigation by a doctor. Athletic Trainers “assess” injuries

3. Athletic Injury Assessment Methodical –A step-by-step approach –Starting point depends on what part of the body is injured Based on –Knowledge/Learning –Experiences Decision Making –“Do no further harm”

4. H.O.P.S. H istory O bservation P alpation S pecial Tests

5. History Remain calm and reassuring Communicate with the athlete Question witnesses Ask the athlete relevant, non-leading questions. Keep the questions simple. Listen attentively. Allow the athlete to describe the injury Clarify information if you don’t understand.

6. What Information to Remember HISTORY Previous History Primary Complaint Mechanism Location Of Pain Type of Pain What can the athlete Do/Not Do? Symptoms Level of Consciousness Other Conditions

7. Observation Survey the entire scene for clues. Look for obvious signs. Remember how the body was aligned? Normal? Observe what the athlete can and cannot do. Normal? Inspect the injured area. Watch for signs of trauma. Wounds? Discoloration? Watch the athlete’s face and eyes for signals of pain. Compare the injured body part to the same uninjured part.

8. Observation OBSERVATION Obvious Deformity BleedingSwelling Appearance Of Skin DiscolorationSymmetry Signs Of Trauma Expressions Showing pain

9. Physical Tests/Exam Understand the anatomy of the area. Promote cooperation and trust between you and the injured athlete. Evaluate the uninjured side first. Make sure the area is as relaxed as possible. Compare the injured side to the same, non-injured body part. Explain what you will be doing before doing it. Begin gently and gradually increase pressure as tolerated. Avoid causing unnecessary pain.

10. Physical Tests/Exam PHYSICAL EXAM Can they feel Your touch? Can they move it normally? Level of Pain ROM and Strength What can Be done? What Can’t? Good Circulation? Reflex Reactions? Swelling? Deformity? Is it stable?

11. Special Tests Each body part/joint has a different set of special tests that are used to evaluate injuries. Information from History, Observation and Palpation will dictate which tests you begin with and which tests you can omit. *You will learn the tests as part of the Evaluation Lesson for each body part.

12. QUESTIONS / COMMENTS?