Athletic trainers (ATs) are health care professionals who render medical services or treatments, under the direction of a physician, in accordance with their education and training and the local statutes, rules and regulations. ATHLETIC TRAINING SERVICES Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis Some of the medical services that athletic trainers provide include injury prevention, ATs evaluate injuries and illnesses prior to wellness protection, immediate and emergency participation, at the time of injury, in the clinic care, examination, assessment and diagnosis and/or on an ongoing basis to determine the best of injuries, therapeutic intervention and health course of action. care administration. Therapeutic Intervention ATs recondition and rehabilitate injuries, illnesses and general medical conditions for optimal performance and function. Injury and Illness Prevention Examples include: and Wellness Protection • Therapeutic and conditioning techniques. • Post-surgical rehabilitation, acute injury ATs promote healthy lifestyes, enhance wellness rehabilitation, onsite rehabilitation. and reduce the risk of injury and illness. •Assisting in addressing campus-wide Examples include: meningitis. • Implementing injury prevention programs. • Application of braces or splints. • • Treatment of injury or illness. emergency action plans. • Reassess injury status. • Monitoring weather and environmental • Refer to specialists as necessary. conditions. •Educating on the signs and symptoms of injury, hydration, nutrition, etc. Health Care Administration and • smoking, obesity, violence, mental health Professional Responsibilities and substance abuse. ATs use best practices to promote optimal patient care and employee well-being. Immediate and Emergency Care Examples include: ATs provide emergency care for injury and • Development of Emergency Action Plans illnesses such as concussion, cardiac arrest, • Ensure appropriate documentation and spine injuries, heat stroke, diabetes, allergic protocol (consent to treat, referrals, etc.). reactions and asthma attacks. • Track and assess outcomes. • Develop policies and procedures to Examples include: mitigate risk. • Implement emergency action plans. • Comply with local health care regulations • Recognizing signs and symptoms of life- as they pertain to sports medicine. threatening conditions. • Complete required continuing education. •Stabilize and/or prevent exacerbation of • In addition to regular examination health condition. and diagnosis, ATs can recommend and •Immediate care for injuries such as ankle exchange information such as concussion sprains, ACL tears, etc. policy, return to learn and return to play • Coordinate patient care and transfer. with staff. Athletic trainers in the international school setting provide a unique and unbiased continuum of care for student athletes and serve as a critical link between patients, coaches, teachers, school administration, parents and other healthcare providers. In addition to the medical services provided below, ATs in the international school setting can also provide THE VALUE OF THE ATHLETIC TRAINER THE AT BENEFIT Athletic trainers are invaluable to the international Student Athlete school and their impact reaches far beyond the • Less time away from class with on campus rehabilitation. athletic trainers help ensure that the student athletes are properly cared for and have a • Fewer missed games and practices through safe environment to participate in sports and diagnosis, treatment and referral process. extracurricular activities. While athletic trainers cannot eliminate the inherent risk of injury in • Access to unbiased health care professional who sports, they can help reduce the incidence and serves as the student athlete’s advocate. severity when injuries do occur. Athletic trainers Parents time loss for parents and schools. • Less time away from work or home to take child • Decreased rehabilitative costs before and after injury. • Peace of mind knowing a dedicated health care professional has child’s health and safety as a priority. DID YOU KNOW? Schools and Leagues • Enhanced safety and health care for student athletes. ATs are required to complete • Potential to reduce injury incidence based on 50 HOURS of continuing education the standard prevention protocols that the AT every two years to maintain their manages and provides. • Reduced absenteeism. abreast with the latest research • Improved school and district compliance related for patient care. to athlete safety. • Reduced risk of injury and litigation. 32% OF PARENTS to relatively minor injuries.* By employing a full time athletic trainer who can provide medical care onsite, parents and kids spend less time away from work and school. 62% OF INJURIES OCCUR SCHOOLS WITH FULL TIME DURING PRACTICE. ATHLETIC TRAINERS ARE ABLE It is important that ATs be at TO IDENTIFY AND CARE FOR both games and practices. MORE PATIENTS WITH INJURIES. BROUGHT TO YOU BY To learn more, visit nata.org and AtYourOwnRisk.org .