Athletic Trainer / First Responder

Athletic First Responder

The primary job of a first responder is to provide immediate, on-site care for athletic injuries. Unlike a licensed athletic trainer, a first responder can't perform certain advanced medical procedures or rehabilitation programs. The role focuses on recognizing, evaluating, and managing acute injuries and medical emergencies.

To be a first responder, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Develops plans for providing first responder coverage at athletic activities on a schedule cooperatively determined by the athletic director.
• Provides for evaluation and immediate care of athletic injuries; refers athletes to medical facilities when necessary.
• Responsible for developing comprehensive emergency plans for his/her specific facilities.
• Provides for the prevention of athletic injuries through the application of protective taping, wraps, and braces.
• Advises coaches of flexibility, strengthening, and conditioning programs to help prevent injuries and optimize performance.
• Maintains high-quality medical records on all injuries and rehabilitation procedures.
• Complies with all policies regarding health care delivery as indicated by District regulations.
• Serves as a liaison between physicians, coaches, athletes, and parents.
• Handles clerical tasks, such as maintaining inventory, assisting with budgets, or restocking supplies.
• Informs the principal, athletic director, coaches of conditions and needs of the athletes and the athletic program.
• Performs other duties as required.

To be a first responder, an individual must meet the following criteria:

• Education & Experience:
• Certifications: They must hold current certifications in both cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid from a recognized organization like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
• Specialized Training: They must complete and maintain training in concussion management and injury prevention and management. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) is a common source for this training.
• Continuing Education: They are required to complete 10 hours of staff development annually, specifically focused on first aid, injury recognition, and prevention.
• Presence at Events: They must be physically present at all high school football practices and games, unless an emergency excuse is provided by the superintendent. They may also be required at other sports events.
• No Concurrent Coaching: They cannot hold coaching responsibilities at the same time they are working as the first responder.
• Knowledge:
• Emergency Action Plan (EAP): They must be familiar with and help implement the school's written EAP for each athletic venue. This plan is reviewed and rehearsed annually.
• Injury Recognition & Evaluation: They must be able to recognize and evaluate injuries and medical conditions that occur during practice or games.
• Emergency Care: Provide immediate first aid or emergency care, including stabilizing an injured athlete until emergency medical services (EMS) arrive.
• Referrals: They must know when to refer an athlete to a physician or higher level of care.
• Documentation: They are responsible for keeping records and writing reports on injuries and the care provided.
• Prevention: They contribute to a safe athletic environment by monitoring and controlling environmental risks and helping with the selection and fitting of protective equipment.
• Skills & Effort:
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with school and district staff.
• Ability to instruct others through explanation, demonstration and supervised practice, and/or make recommendations on the basis of technical disciplines.
• Ability to complete, process, and maintain required records, reports, and other information.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective communications with school and district employees, the school principal, athletic director and the public.
• Working Conditions:
• School and outdoor environment with significant exposure to environmental conditions.
• Requires ability to work under a degree of stress related to duties that require considerable attention and working with students.
• Physical demands are restricted to school activities requiring movement/lifting items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional local travel required; occasional overnight travel required.
• Responsibility:
• Assists in the supervision of school staff and students.