East Central High School

Athletic Training

East Central High School Sports Medicine provided by Welia Health (formerly FirstLight Health System).

WHAT IF YOU COULD MAKE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SAFER?

We’re not talking about changing sports equipment or the rules of engagement. We are talking about adding a new member to the team. Someone called an athletic trainer. An ally. A friend. An expert in sports medicine.

LOWER THE NUMBER OF ATHLETE INJURIES

Can athletic trainers make a significant difference in sports safety? The statistics say “yes.” Schools with an athletic trainer report that their student athletes sustain fewer injuries (both acute and recurring) than athletes at schools without athletic trainers. Having athletic trainers on staff also improves the rate of early detection of dehydration, head injuries, and other sports-related health issues. Student athletes at secondary schools with athletic trainers incur more diagnosed concussions, demonstrating better identification of these injuries.

Athletic trainers (ATs) are highly qualified, multi-skilled health care professionals who collaborate with physicians to provide preventative services, emergency care, clinical diagnosis, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions. Athletic trainers work under the direction of a physician as prescribed by state licensure statutes.

thletic trainers provide medical services to all types of patients, not just athletes participating in sports, and can work in a variety of job settings. Athletic trainers relieve widespread and future workforce shortages in primary care support and outpatient rehab professions and provide an unparalleled continuum of care for the patients.

Athletic trainers improve functional outcomes and specialize in patient education to prevent injury and re-injury. Preventative care provided by an athletic trainer has a positive return on investment for employers. ATs are able to reduce injury and shorten rehabilitation time for their patients, which translates to lower absenteeism from work or school and reduced health care costs

Athletic Trainers Work In:

  • Public and private secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional and Olympic sports
  • Youth leagues, municipal and independently owned youth sports facilities
  • Physician practice, similar to nurses, physician assistants, physical therapists and other professional clinical personnel
  • Rural and urban hospitals, hospital emergency rooms, urgent and ambulatory care centers
  • Clinics with specialties in sports medicine, cardiac rehab, medical fitness, wellness and physical therapy
  • Occupational health departments in commercial settings, which include manufacturing, distribution and offices to assist with ergonomics
  • Police and fire departments and academies, municipal departments, branches of the military
  • Performing arts including professional and collegiate level dance and music

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