All injuries must be reported to a member of the athletic training staff as soon as possible. The team physician(s) and/or athletic training staff will make the decision on when an athlete may return to competition after an injury.
1. Is my injury serious?
- A serious injury is any condition whereby the athlete’s life is in danger or the athlete risks permanent impairment. Examples of these injuries include: cervical spine injury, head injury, serious bleeding, fractures, heat stress, hypothermia, respiratory arrest, anaphylactic shock (allergic reaction) and cardiovascular arrest.
2. What should I do if I have a serious/life threatening injury?
If you believe you or another person has a serious/life threatening injury, follow the guidelines below:
- Stabilize the individual.
- Check for breathing and a pulse – if there is no pulse, or the person is having difficulty breathing or is in significant pain, call campus security (7000), the campus operator (0), or 911 immediately for an ambulance. Begin CPR / Rescue Breathing if you know how.
- When the ambulance arrives, allow the paramedics and EMT’s to work on the individual and clear any unnecessary people from the area.
- Contact an athletic trainer and the athlete’s parents as soon as possible.
3. What if I’m hurt, but don’t think it is that serious of an injury?
- Tell an athletic trainer about the injury as soon as possible. The athletic trainer will evaluate your injury, and set up a plan of treatment for you. If necessary, the athletic trainer will refer you to the team physician or other appropriate medical personnel.
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