Hazards and Safety in Athletic Training

Injury prevention Being aware of your surroundings and the environment can prevent injuries It can also protect you from a lawsuit

Assumption of Risk Not all injuries are preventable There is an assumption of risk involved in playing sports Parents and athletes are aware of this risk when they sign up for sports Contact sports have more of a risk for injury than noncontact sports

Foreseeable Risk a danger which a reasonable person should anticipate as the result from his/her actions. Examples – Running outside in a lightning storm – Seeing a wet floor sign and running across the floor – Hanging out by a cliff with a sign that says “unstable ground”

Lawsuits If a risk was foreseeable, people are less likely to win a lawsuit It is better to be over cautious in order to avoid legal situations

Some Injuries are Preventable This is why there are policies in place in the VHSL and PWCS Preparticipation Physical Evaluations Heat Lightning

PPES Preparticipation Physical Evaluations = physicals Allows for athletic trainers to know athletes are medically cleared for sports Required annually by the VHSL

Heat Index Heat index is the feels like temperature Too much moisture in the air limits the amount of sweat removal the human body can do Exercising when it is too hot out can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke The heat index is important because it allows to athletic trainers to know when it is safe or not safe to go outside

Dehydration Dehydration is a process It is when your body does not have enough water or fluids as it should Losing more fluid than you take in

Dehydration Symptoms Mild to moderate – Dry, sticky mouth – Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual – Thirst – Decreased urine output – No wet diapers for three hours for infants – Few or no tears when crying – Dry skin – Headache – Constipation – Dizziness or lightheadedness

Dehydration Symptoms Severe – Extreme thirst – Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults – Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes – Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be darker than normal – Sunken eyes – Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold – In infants, sunken fontanels — the soft spots on the top of a baby's head – Low blood pressure – Rapid heartbeat – Rapid breathing – No tears when crying – Fever – In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness

Dehydration Treatment Replenish lost fluids Rest Medical intervention

Heat Stroke Heat stroke is an emergency situation in which the body loses its ability to cool itself. The internal body temperature rises to extremes, sometimes as high as 106 degrees F. Heat stroke can result in death if not treated promptly

Heat Stroke Symptoms Very high body temperature, usually over 104 degrees F No sweating Hot, dry, red skin Rapid pulse Difficulty breathing Confusion, irritability, disorientation, or hallucinations Seizures Loss of consciousness and coma Death

Heat Stroke Treatment IMMEDIATE COLD WATER SUBMERSION Ice packs on armpits, neck and groin Cool their bodies first THEN call 911 This is the difference between life and death

Heat Exhaustion Heat exhaustion is a less serious condition than heat stroke Still has the potential to be very dangerous When the body gets too hot it begins to lose the ability to cool itself

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms – Normal or only slightly elevated body temperature – Cool, moist (clammy), pale skin – Sweating (sometimes heavily) – Headache – Nausea/vomiting – Dizziness/weakness/fatigue – Rapid pulse – Decreased blood pressure – Dark urine – Muscle cramps – Rapid/shallow breathing

Heat Exhaustion Treatment Go to the shade or air conditioned area Remove excess clothing Massage and stretch cramps Monitor temperature for changes

Heat Index Recommendations

Lightning “see it, flee it” “hear it, clear it” Lightning position: Crotch down on balls of feet. Make yourself as small as possible.