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Essentials of Athletic Training Cover Image
Essentials of Athletic Training, 5/e
Daniel Arnheim
William Prentice, University of North Carolina
Emergency Situations and Injury Assessment

Chapter Overview

  • An emergency is defined as "an unforeseen combination of circumstances and the resulting state that calls for immediate action."The prime concern of emergency aid is to maintain cardiovascular function and, indirectly, central nervous system function. All sports programs should have an emergency system that is activated any time an athlete is seriously injured.
  • The coach must make a systematic assessment of the injured athlete to determine appropriate emergency care. A primary survey assesses and deals with life-threatening situations. Once stabilized, the secondary survey makes a more detailed assessment of the injury.
  • The mnemonic for cardiopulmonary resuscitation is ABC: A-airway opened; B-breathing restored; C-circulation restored. To relieve an obstructed airway, the Heimlich maneuver and/or a finger sweep of the throat should be performed.
  • Hemorrhage can occur externally and internally. External bleeding can be controlled by direct pressure, applying pressure at pressure points, and by elevation. Internal hemorrhage can occur subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or within a body cavity.
  • Secondary assessment consists of four major areas: history, general observation, physical examination, and special tests. Special tests depend on the body site.
  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) should be used for the immediate care of a musculoskeletal injury. Ice should be applied for at least 20 minutes every 1 to 1 1/2 hours, and compression and elevation should be continuous for at least 72 hours following injury.
  • Any suspected fracture should be splinted before the athlete is moved. Commercial rapid form vacuum immobilizers and air splints are most often used in an athletic training setting.
  • Great care must be taken in moving the seriously injured athlete. The unconscious athlete must be handled as though he or she has a cervical fracture. Moving an athlete with a suspected serious neck injury must be performed only by persons specifically trained to do so. A spine board should be used, avoiding any movement of the cervical region.
  • The coach should be responsible for the proper fitting and instruction in the use of crutches or a cane by an athlete with an injury to the lower extremity.








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