When should I see the certified athletic trainer?
If you or your coach/parent suspect you have sustained an injury or illness you may see the athletic trainer. If you need to leave practice to be seen, make sure you first notify your coach that you need to see the athletic trainer. Your coach will contact the athletic trainer and make them aware of of your potential injury/illness. If you need medical attention during the school day please see the school nurse.
When are the certified athletic trainers in?
The athletic trainers are available to students after school and prior to games /practices on Saturdays. The athletic trainers are in the Athletic Training Clinic 1:00pm – 3:30pm and then will be out on campus attending games & practices.
Should I make an appointment to see the certified athletic trainer?
No. If you need to see the athletic trainer, you may do so by going to the Athletic Training Clinic after school. Athletes that are medically excused from physical education and are in need of rehabilitation may arrange to see the athletic trainer during the day. This is on a case-by-case basis.
How do I know if I should see a doctor?
If you are injured during a Vernon Township High School athletic event then the athletic trainer will help in the referral process to see a physician.
Do the certified athletic trainers travel with the teams?
The athletic trainers only travel with varsity football to away contests. Teams that play home contests off the VTHS campus may or may not have an athletic trainer at their contest. If an athletic trainer is not present at a home contest coaches have been instructed on how to contact them, if necessary.
How can I become a certified athletic trainer?
Students interested in the athletic training profession should visit the BOC website and search for accredited athletic training education programs.
What do I do if I got hurt and did not see the certified athletic trainer right away?
Use the RICES approach for initial injury care of contusions, sprains, strains and tendinitis
Rest: by avoiding painful activities.
Ice: Apply for 20-30* minutes, remove for 1.5 to 2 hours and repeat.
Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage when icing. Wear the elastic bandage when not icing if instructed to do so. The wrap should be snug but not real tight.
Elevate: Keep the area raised above heart level when possible, practical or if not painful to do so. Do not move a suspected fracture or dislocation. To elevate the lower limb while sleeping place large pillows under the mattress instead of just elevating with a pillow. DO NOT sleep with an elastic wrap on!
Stabilization: refers to measures to protect the injury and allow it to heal. This may include a brace, splint, crutches or other protective device as necessary.
See your athletic trainer or physician for injury evaluation.
*To avoid possible nerve compression injury, apply ice for a maximum of 15 minutes with light compression over bony areas with superficial nerves including the outer knee, inner elbow and outer waist. Remove the ice and the wrap immediately if you feel pins and needles similar to the sensation when you hit your funny bone or when your foot “falls asleep.”
Please note that instant ice packs, cold gel packs, reusable cold packs and ice packs from a refrigerator-type freezer can damage the skin. Ice from a freezer and gel packs are well below freezing (1°F to -5°F) which can cause frostbite. Ice machines, such as the one in the athletic training facility, store ice just below freezing at about 30°F, therefore making frostbite less likely. However, athletes should not leave the ice on any longer than 15-20 minutes at a time. If you are using an instant ice pack, place a barrier between the ice and the skin to prevent frostbite and in case the chemical in the pack leaks.
About Ice Massage
Ice massage is a technique commonly used to treat shin splints and various forms of tendinitis. Fill a paper or styrofoam cup with water and place it in your freezer. Once the water is frozen, peel off the top third of the cup, turn the cup upside down and place the ice directly on the skin. Slowly rub the ice on the skin using a longitudinal (up-down) or circular pattern over the injured area for 7-10 minutes. Treat an area approximately 2-3 times the diameter of the top of the ice. For shin splints, use a longitudinal pattern; for injuries such as knee or elbow tendinitis, use a circular pattern. Since ice massage can get a little messy once the ice starts melting, treat your injury in an area that can get wet and have a towel handy.
What doctor should I see?
If you suspect a medical emergency, go directly an emergency department. There are many different doctors for different types of injuries. You should see the certified athletic trainer first and/or your primary physician to determine is a specialist is necessary.
Are there pre-season conditioning programs?
Most coaches provide pre-season conditioning programs to their athletes. Mr. Bergh runs a pre-season training and conditioning program in prior to the winter and spring athletic seasons. Please see Mr. Bergh in the Athletic Training Clinic for more information.