Spine Injury Management Video

Spine injuries, often associated in the public's mind with images of football players taped to stretchers, can be an occupational hazard for a surprising number of physical endeavors--ranging from other team and contact sports to solo activities such as swimming and bicycling. Based on the recommendations of the National Athletic Trainer's Association task force, this program presents an up-to-date uniform protocol for responding to spine injuries, illustrating standards and procedures that will help prevent an injury from becoming worse through mishandling. In addition to laying out guidelines, the program emphasizes the importance of proper planning (including being familiar with the special medical equipment required--such as a hard-shell “splint” stretcher to move the injured player) and identifying areas of responsibilities for trainers, emergency services personnel, coaches, parents, and others who might be involved in a "first response" to a spine injury during an athletic contest. Covering a wide range of general and specific topics--including tips on what to do while waiting for medical personnel to arrive, and a detailed look at problems presented by certain types of protective equipment (especially daunting is a number of hard-to-remove facemasks on football helmets)--this is highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (C. Block)