EMERGENCY SITUATIONS AND INJURY ASSESSMENTSDavid 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 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 Determine severity of injury RICE How to transport off field or court

Off Field Assessment HOPS