Ten Ways AthleticTrainers Save Lives
Asthma, allergies, and diabetic care. These might not be the first thoughts that come to mind when someone thinks of athletic trainers, but these are all conditions that athletic trainers are trained in and prepared to handle related to medical emergencies. March is National Athletic Training Month, and Midwest-based AthletiCo Physical and Occupational Therapy wants to reinforce the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s message that Athletic Trainers Save Lives.
According to Safe Kids USA, more than 38 million children and adolescents participate in sports each year. Athletic trainers provide athletes with quick access to injury care and assure better results, which leads to a better quality of life. In addition to orthopedic injury prevention and care, here are ten situations that demonstrate how athletic trainers save lives and keep athletes (and fans) safe and healthy.
1. Concussions: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 300,000 concussions result from sport activity every year. Athletic trainers work closely with many of these athletes to ensure that they are managed appropriately and do not suffer more serious prolonged injuries. Visit our concussion management page for more information.
2. Diabetic care: Athletic trainers are trained in diabetic care and recognition of a diabetic crisis.
3. Cardiac disease: Athletic trainers are trained in the various risk factors of cardiac disease. Most of these risk factors can be prevented. Athletic trainers are trained in CPR and can educate athletes on prevention around cardiac disease.
4. AED devices: According to the American Heart Association, the goal of every AED program is to deliver defibrillation to a sudden cardiac arrest victim within 3 to 5 minutes of collapse. Athletic trainers provide quick access to medical care in emergency situations. 
5. Nutrition and hydration: Athletic trainers are trained in proper nutrition guidelines to educate athletes to eat and hydrate themselves in order to safely exert the high level of energy that is necessary for competition.
6. Eating disorders: Athletic trainers are trained to detect various eating disorders including the female athlete triad, which is a syndrome comprised of disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis or decreased bone mineral density. Early intervention is important and decreases recovery time and long-term effects on health.
7. Asthma: According to the American Lung Association, currently an estimated 7.1 million children under 18 years are affected with asthma. Athletic trainers provide instant, advanced care for these athletes.
8. Spinal injuries: Athletic trainers are trained in the care of spinal injuries to prevent serious neurological injury.
9. Allergies: Athletic trainers are educated to recognize the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and have knowledge of the proper use of EpiPens and inhalers.
10. Heat-related illness: Athletic trainers are trained to prevent and detect heat illness, which can lead to fatal conditions.
AthletiCo is one of the largest employers of certified athletic trainers in the United States, providing injury prevention, evaluation, and treatment services to over 200 teams and organizations throughout Illinois, Milwaukee, and Northwest Indiana including professional sports organizations, performing arts organizations, high schools, colleges and universities, industrial and commercial organizations, rugby clubs, endurance events, golf events, and tournaments and special events.
