Injury Procedure
- Injury reported to the athletic trainer either by athlete, coach, or parent. Please report all injuries as soon as they occur. Delaying this process can lead to more time missed from play.
- The athletic trainer will assess the injury and help make a decision about care.
- Athlete will follow the athletic trainer’s instructions and follow up care.
- Athlete may not return to practice until cleared by the athletic trainer
- Athlete must be completing rehab in order to be taped for practices/games unless the athletic trainer states otherwise.
- Athletic trainer will notify the parents that further medical care is required.
- A note from the physician will be needed for return to participation.
- If the physician is associated with Wheaton Franciscan/Ascension they may opt to call and verbally verify care with the athletic trainer.
- Athlete will follow the athletic trainer’s instructions and follow up care.
- If the injury occurs during an FHS gym class or during school hours it must be reported to the school health office. They are responsible for assessing the injury and handling care. If the student is an athlete they will see us after this assessment is completed.
- The athletic trainer will assess the injury and help make a decision about care.
- The athletic trainer will communicate with the coach as best they can about practice/game status for an athlete.
Note: If an injury is not reported until practice time the athlete is not excused from being late to practice. Please be respectful of our time.
Emergency situations will take precedence over all others. An emergency is a situation that needs immediate medical attention. Any situation where there is an obvious deformity of major limb, unconsciousness, suspected cervical spine trauma, or major respiratory distress is an emergency and EMS should be activated immediately.
Rehabilitation
- If the injury requires rehab the athlete will need to report to the athletic training room before practice unless there is an already established time/plan.
- Athlete will be dressed appropriately (shirt, shorts, tennis shoes)
- Athlete will be prescribed modalities by the athletic trainer or physician (please read below for information about electrical stimulation or ultrasound)
- During practice treatments and rehab will be for those unable to participate and is pre-approved by the coach. Another deciding factor will be event coverage and emergencies which will take precedent over rehab.
Return to play
If the athlete has been under the care of a physician, a note will be needed prior to return. If not seen by a physician, the athletic trainer will be able to clear the athlete when they feel they are ready. The athletic trainer will communicate with the coaches on an athlete’s playing status. The coach is not to make a return to play decision, especially in the case of a head injury.
Note: The athletic trainer cannot over-rule a physician’s note, however, we will call if we think the information needs clarification. This is why we ask that you see us first before seeing your physician, unless it is an emergency.
Note: The athletic trainer cannot over-rule a physician’s note, however, we will call if we think the information needs clarification. This is why we ask that you see us first before seeing your physician, unless it is an emergency.
Electrical stimulation and ultrasound
Electrical stimulation and ultrasound will be administered by the athletic trainer. A note or prescription from a physician will be required for use of these modalities as they have contraindications that can cause harm if not used properly.