Table of Contents

Athletic Training Staff	3
Athletic Training Room Information	3
Coaches Handout	4
Insurance Information	6
Emergency Action Plan	8
Catastrophic Injury and Emergency Notification Plan	12
Home Contests	13
Away Contests	15
Cantact Form	17
Emergency Action Plan for Away Contests	19
Away Injury Checklist	22
Automated External Defibrillators Protocol	23
Lightning Protocol	26
Event Suspension Protocol	31
Cold Weather Protocol	32
Appendix I.  Athletic Training Room Clearance Pages
A. Medical History Form	37
B. Insurance Verification Form	39
C.Shared Responcibility of Sport Form	40
D. Physical Evaluation Form	41

 

 

Sports Medicine
Head Athletic Trainer	Wendy Kirby	999-8731	wkirby@umassd.edu
Assistant Head Athletic Trainer	Kevin Pickering	999-9155	kpickering@umassd.edu
Assistant Athletic Trainer	Sabrena Lary	999-8726	slary@umassd.edu
Assistant Athletic Trainer	TBA	999-8726	TBA
Team Physcian	Dr. Jeremy Stern	998-6100
Athletic Training Room Information	Fax: 910-6539	Phone: 999-8731 / 999-8726

Athletic Training Room Rules

The Athletic Training Rooom will open one hour prior to any contest or practice and will close approximately thirty minutes after the completion of all events.

There is no equipment or bags allowed in the Athletic Training Room.

There is no profanity allowed in the Athletic Training Room. 

Shoes are not allowed on any of the tables.

All athletes must sign in for every treatment.

Treatments are first come first serve for all in-season athletes.  Any new injuries should be seen a minimum of 2 hours before practice or they must wait until after all in season athletes have been treated for practice.  All rehabiliation will take place during practice or at a more convenient time.  All non-traditional athletes will be treated after all in-season athletes have been treated.

Please refer to the coaches handout for additional information that you must be aware of for practice, game and student athlete participation.  Please review this information thoroughly so that there are no issues in the future about these matters.

 

COACHES GENERAL INFORMATION

1.   Medical Clearance: Athletes must have all medical paperwork updated and received by a Certified Athletic Trainer before they are cleared for participation.  This would include the Medical History Form, Insurance Verification, Sports Physical for ALL athletes, Injury Risk forms.  Athletes will only be cleared by the Athletic Training Room if they come at appropriate times and will be asked to return later at more fitting time if it is to busy. NO ATHLETE CAN PARTICIPATE IN AN ORGANIZED PRACTICE AND/OR GAME UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY CLEARED.

2.   Schedule a time with the Athletic Training Room staff for your team.  This will give us the proper time and opportunity to review medical forms and go over daily Athletic Training Room operations and early warning signs of problems while training before your first practice.

3.    Rosters: Please inform the Athletic Training Room staff of all roster changes. 

4.   Game/ Practice Schedules: Please inform the Athletic Training Room of any adjustments made to your schedule.  A minimum of 48 hours is needed to allow for adjustment of our schedule for proper coverage.  If proper time is not alloted the UMD Athletic Training Staff may not be able to change their schedule to accommodate the change.  Please also inform us of any cancellations so that we may allow other teams to use your allotted time.

5.   Insurance: The Athletic Training Room staff needs to be made aware of all injuries and any other medical concerns so that the athlete can be provided with the appropriate care.  This information needs to be documented with the Athletic Training Room files.  To insure supplemental insurance coverage the Athletic Training Room and the Team Physician (Dr. Jeremy Stern) must facilitate follow-up care outside of the Athletic Training Room.  If a coach/parent/athlete sets up care without the consent of the Athletic Training Room's involvement, supplemental insurance may not cover the costs.

6.   Injuries: The Athletic Training Room staff, and when needed the assistance of the Team Physician, will determine the status of all UMD athletes after an injury.  If a physician has assisted with the care of your athlete that physician and the UMD Team Physician must clear the athlete before they can return to full participation.  The staff will make every effort to keep you informed of your athlete's status within the allowed HIPAA guidelines.  It would be helpful if you check in with the Athletic Training Room on a regular basis.

7.   Practice Coverage: The Athletic Training Room will be open one hour before your scheduled practice time.  The staff will set up for practices by providing water and a medical kit.  Your team is responsible for returning these supplies after your practice is completed.  If these supplies are not returned the Athletic Training Room is not responsible for retrieving them and will not supply new ones if lost.  Your team will also not be supplied with water or ice until they are returned.

8.   Game Coverage: The staff will make every effort to provide a Certified Athletic Trainer for all home contests.  Daily schedules will need to be taken into account, with the understanding that collision sports will always have a Certified Athletic Trainer covering all events.

9.   CPR Certification: UMass Dartmouth Athletics has mandated that all Head Coaches are Adult CPR & AED certified.  This certification can be from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.  Every coach will be required to provide a copy of their certification card each year.  The UMD Athletic Training Staff will provide a class at the beginning of each school year.  This certifation is required as they are expected to be part of any emergency situation.  They will also act as a line of first response to any injury that may occur in a situation where medical personnel are not immediately available.

Insurance Policy and Information

All student athletes at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth are required to have a primary insurance policy to be considered full time students at the institution.  All medical bills will be processed through the student athlete's primary insurance before the University's back up insurance or the NCAA's catastrophic insurance will be employed.  All insurance information should be on file for all student athletes in the Athletic Training Room's student athlete files. 

·     If a student athlete's insurance information changes at any time they should notify the Athletic Training Room with all of the new information.

University of Massachusetts Excess Athletic Injury Insurance Policy

This policy is an excess policy - the benefits will be paid only for those expenses not paid or payable by other medical coverage of the athlete. This insurance policy can only be used for an injury to a student athlete while competing for the University. Although excess policies require close communication between athletes, parents and staff, they also help to provide quality coverage at reasonable rates. Under an excess policy, a claim may be denied by the sports policy if the requirements of the primary policy are not met. This is where you can help by assuring that claims are submitted quickly and properly under the athlete's primary plan. After a deductible of $ 100, (the responsibility of the (student- athlete) eligible expenses will be paid at 100% up to $75,000 for up to 104 weeks from the date of the accident.

Requirements for Submitting a Claim
Athletic Injury Polices are not comprehensive medical policies, and the following requirements must be met.

a. There must be an accidental injury. Sicknesses are not covered under this policy.
b. The accidental injury must occur while the athlete is participating in regularly scheduled, supervised Play, Practice or Travel.
c. The expenses incurred must be accidental injuries which occur while policy is in force.

Submitting a Claim

a. Submit all bills from providers of medical service to your primary carrier as soon as possible, making certain to complete all claim forms and fulfill all other submission requirements of your primary carrier.
b. When you receive an explanation of what was paid by your insurance company
EOB (explanation of benefits), please forward it along with the bills from providers of medical services to the Head Athletic Trainer.
c. If you receive requests from your Insurance Company for additional information, please respond as quickly as possible. This will speed up the payment of the claim.

NCAA Catastrophic Injury Insurance Policy

Definition of a catastrophic incident: The sudden death of a student-athlete, coach or staff member from any cause, or disabling and/or quality of life altering injuries.

The Catastrophic Injury Insurance Program provided by the NCAA covers student-athletes, student coaches, student managers, student trainers and student cheerleaders who are catastrophically injured while participating in a Covered Event. The policy has a $75,000 deductible and provides benefits in excess of any other valid and collectible insurance. The following is a benefit schedule:

The Maximum Benefit Amount per Insured Person per Covered Accident, for all benefits combined (except Accidental Death),is $20,000,000.

This insurance policy will be initiated by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's Head Athletic Trainer.

Athletic Emergency Action Plan

Introduction
The purpose of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is to guide athletic personnel, emergency medical services, and UMD Campus Police in responding to emergency situations as they occur.  It is essential that the Athletic Department have an emergency plan that identifies the role of each member of the emergency response team, emergency communications, the necessary emergency equipment response team and the emergency protocol for each sporting venue.

Emergency Response Team
Members of the Emergency Response Team include but is not limited to:

• Certified Athletic Trainers
• Team Physician
• Athletic Training Students
• Athletic Training Work Study Students
• EMT/ Paramedic Team covering event or responding to emergency
• Campus Police
• Head and Assistant Coaches
• Professional Event Staff

Emergency Protocol

• Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC's) are employed to provide leadership in the health care of the student-athlete, including the emergency management of injuries/illnesses during varsity athletic participation, under the direct supervision of the team physician.
• Team Physician is employed to facilitate effective and appropriate care in an emergency situation.  He provides guidance to the ATC's on how to develop guidelines and protocols for these situations.  At all home football and ice hockey games, a physician will be employed to aid the ATC in the evaluation and care of any injury/illness that may occur.
• EMT/ Paramedic Teams: At all home football games and cross country events, an ambulance, with two EMTs / paramedics, will be employed for the immediate transport of any life-threatening injuries/illnesses. At all home equestrian events, an ambulance, with two EMTs / paramedics, will be employed as the primary care giver and direct supervisor of all medical issues for the event.  They are also employed for the immediate transport of any life-threatening injuries/illnesses.  The Head Equestrian Coach will be responsible for contacting the UMD Athletic Training Staff of any and all injuries that occur at the event.
• The role of coaches, UMD Student Athletic Trainers (ATS), work study students and other staff members including Campus Police, is to provide assistance to the ATC,  physician, or EMT / paramedics as part of the emergency action team in the event of an emergency.  They will be expected to provide medical coverage until a more qualified response team member arrives.

Roles of the Emergency Action Plan
The following roles are included in the EAP:

1. Immediate care of the injured/ill athlete
2. Emergency equipment
3. Retrieval of emergency equipment
4. Activation of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
5. Directing EMS to the scene
6. Emergency communication
7. Transportation

Revisions to the Emergency Action Plan
An annual review and update of the EAP is conducted to re-evaluate its roles and effectiveness in the event of an emergency. 

1. Immediate care of the injured/ill athlete
There shall be at least one ATC at, or within a reasonable distance of, all practices and home sporting events, except when the guidelines of practice coverage are ignored.  These guidelines are covered on the Coaches General Information page of this handbook..  The coaches, staff members, student athletic trainers, and work study students responsibilities are to aid the ATC with the appropriate care for the student athlete.  In case the ATC is not at practice, the head coach should take it upon him/herself to activate EMS by following the appropriate guidelines set forth in this document.  It is now required that each head coach be trained in CPR and AED by either the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.  This is so that all coaches are able to provide appropriate medical care until a more qualified Response Team member arrives.

2. Emergency Equipment
Appropriate emergency equipment must be on-hand at all athletic practices and competitive events.  All assigned emergency care personnel should be aware of the location and function of all the emergency equipment.  Under no circumstances should an untrained person be using any of the emergency equipment.  Emergency supplies include but are not limited to: first aid supplies (ex. dressings, bandages, tape, sling elastic wraps), body solution isolation (BSI) materials (ex. protective gloves, gauze, face shield, biohazard bags), vacuum splints, and crutches.  This restriction should also include all new equipment that is purchased by the UMD Athletic Training Department to aid in these emergencies.  Such equipment may include Automated External Defibrillators (AED), cellular phones, etc.

3) Retrieval of Emergency Equipment
Appropriate emergency equipment must be retrieved from the designated area at the athletic venue and brought to the scene by a member of the emergency care team or designated person.  The designated area will be chosen by the ATC covering the event. All members of the emergency response team should take advance notice to where the equipment is located.  This area may be reassigned by the ATC who will inform all the appropriate members of the emergency response team when they arrive at the venue. 

4) Activation of Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
One member of the emergency response team will be directed to utilize an emergency communication device (campus phone, cellular phone, or any other accessible phone line) to activate EMS.  In the event that an ATC is not on-site for an athletic event the head coach or qualified designee shall activate EMS as well as contact the on duty ATC to evaluate the correct course of action.  For any on campus emergency contact UMD Campus Police, who will activate EMS.  They should maintain the responsibility of directing the EMS to the facility and proper entrance.  If the authorities are not present, a member of the emergency response team must be familiar with the emergency communication devices, where they are located, and what their role is in this capacity.  This person will also take the responsibility of maintaining contact with EMS, directing them to both the facility and the proper entrance to access the injured person.

When activating EMS the following information should be included while talking to the operator:

1. Stay calm at all times
2. Identify yourself to the operator, include your name and a contact number
3. Explain where you are, include building name, room number, field, etc.
4. Explain the situation, include incident, location, number of victims
5. Directions to the proper emergency entrance/exit
6. Location of the emergency action team member that is responsible to direct the emergency personnel to the scene of the accident
7. Any other information that the operator asks or other information that you may think relevant.  The more information that you can pass on to the operator the better chance the proper emergency personnel is dispatched.
8. The caller should stay on the line until released by the operator

5) Directing EMS to the scene
On campus, UMD Campus Police will take the primary role of activating the EMS system and directing the local rescue squad to the emergency scene.  Any member of the emergency response team, or any other designated person, will go to the appropriate location to assist UMD Campus Police, or fill the role if they have not responded to the venue, in directing EMS to the scene.  During an incident off campus, it is the responsibility of the emergency care member, on-scene authorities or designated person, to direct the local rescue squad to the appropriate access entrance to the scene of the incident.

 6) Emergency Communication
An emergency communication device is on-site with all ATCs, which allows contact with UMD Campus Police or the local authorities in event of a serious or life-threatening emergency.  It is the responsibility of the designated member of the emergency care team to activate EMS via  UMD Campus Police or the local authorities.  To activate EMS:

            On Campus: Campus line x9191, Outside line or cell phone: (508) 999-9191

            Off Campus: Dial 911, or *SP from a cell phone.

Afterward, alert Campus Police (508) 999-9191

7) Transportation
Transportation of an injured/ill student athlete is provided via ambulance in all life-threatening or serious situations.  In any serious case a coach, staff member, or parent must accompany the student-athlete to the hospital.  An individual may be chosen by the student-athlete AND a member of emergency response team to provide transportation to the local emergency room for a student-athlete with a non-life threatening injury/illness.  Student-Athletes, Team Managers, or friends will not be allowed to fulfill these roles.  A member of the emergency response team can provide transport only if adequate emergency care coverage is maintained at the athletic venue.  At no time will the ATC accompany the student-athlete to the hospital unless appropriate medical coverage will be maintained.  These guidelines are explained in the Catastrophic Injury appendix.

Catastrophic Injury and Emergency Notification Plan

The purpose of this plan is to properly identify and notify the appropriate people in case of a catastrophic injury that occurs at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth during an athletic event or to a UMD student athlete at a varsity away contest.

 Definition of a Catastrophic Injury:

1. Sudden death of a student-athlete, coach, and/or staff member;
2. Disability/ Quality of life altering injury/ illness including, but not limited to:
   • Spinal cord injury resulting in partial or complete paralysis;
   • Loss of a paired organ;
   • Severe head injury;
   • Injuries/ illnesses resulting in severely diminished mental capacity or other neurological injury that results in an inability to perform daily functions (e.g. coma); and
   • Irrecoverable loss of speech, hearing (both ears), sight (both eyes), or one or both arm(s) and/or leg(s).

3.   Other incident as deemed appropriate.

Catastrophic Incident Management Team:

Head Athletic Trainer-Wendy Kirby
Assistant Athletic Trainer- Kevin Pickering
Assistant Athletic Trainer- Sabrena Lary
Assistant Athletic Trainer-TBA
Associate Athletic Director- Louise Goodrum
Athletic Director- Ian Day
Team Physician - Dr. Jeremy Stern
Team Coaches
Sports Infomation- David Geringer
Administrative Assistant of Public Information - Jim Mullins
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Counseling Center
Director of UMD Health Center- Barbara Agee
Public Safety Department- Cononel Emil Fioravanti
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs - Dr. Jean Kim
Associate Dean of Students- Mary Beckwith

Home Sporting Event Plan

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Athletic Training Department has developed an emergency action plan with regards to a student-athlete who has sustained an injury during a home sporting event.  This plan is meant as a supplement to the emergency action plan in case of a catastrophic injury at a UMD home sporting event. The additional steps that will be taken are as follows:

        1.  Public Safety will be contacted to assist with the arrival of the ambulance and securing the scene.

2.  An UMD official will accompany the injured-student athlete to the medical facility.

3.   Once at the medical facility, the designated individual will contact the Head Athletic Trainer with medical updates from the attending physician (if applicable).

4.   The Head Athletic Trainer will then contact the following individuals:

1.   UMD's team physician:           -Dr. Jeremy Stern - Cell Phone: 508-878-8774
   Administration:
             -Associate Athletic Director - Louise Goodrum
                     -Work: 508-999-8747
                     -Home: 508-999-7180
                     -Cell: 508-264-3503
   -The Associate Athletic Director will contact other Athletic Department and university administrative personnel as deemed necessary.
   -Student-athlete's head coach

1.   In the case of a visiting team catastrophic injury the Head Athletic Trainer will also contact the visiting teams head athletic trainer.

5.  The Team Physician, Head Athletic Trainer, the Associate Athletic Director and/or a designee for her, and the head coach will immediately proceed to the medical facility (if applicable).

6. Once the student-athlete has been stabilized at the medical facility, the Head Athletic Trainer, in consultation with the Team Physician, Associate Athletic Director, and head coach will make every effort to notify the injured student-athlete's family or emergency contact of the emergency situation.

·        The Head Athletic Trainer will continue to communicate with the injured student-athlete's emergency contact, and opposing teams Head Athletic Trainer if applicable, and will provide medical updates as available.

7.  After receiving consent from the student-athlete's emergency contact, the Head Athletic Trainer, Team Physician, head coach, and Associate Athletic Director, in consultation with the UMD Sports Information Department may release an official statement to the media.

·        The Sports Information Department may not release a statement until consent is given by the student-athlete's family, and the Team Physician, Head Athletic Trainer and Associate Athletic Director have approved and authorized the statement.

·        The official statement must follow all HIPAA guidelines about what information can be released without invading the student-athlete's as well as his/her family's privacy.

8.   The Head Athletic Trainer and coaching staff will be responsible for assembling the team as soon as possible for a briefing on the emergency situation.

9. The team will be addressed by the head coach, Team Physician, Head Athletic Trainer, and/or Associate Athletic Director regarding the student-athlete and the emergency situation, and will be advised not to speak to any members of the media.

10. The UMD Head Athletic Trainer will also be responsible for contacting the UMD Counseling Center and authorities at the medical facility for the purpose of arranging psychologists, grief counselors, etc. for the use of all team and athletics department personnel.

11. The UMD Head Athletic Trainer and/or a designee will be responsible for collecting all equipment and materials involved and secure in a locked area.  Also the completion of documentation concerning the events and everyone involved will be completed by the Head Athletic Trainer or her designee.

Away Sporting Event Plan

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Athletic Training Department has developed an emergency action plan with regards to a student-athlete who has sustained an injury during an away sporting event.  This plan is meant as a supplement to the emergency action plan in case of a catastrophic injury during a UMD sporting event at an opposing teams venue. The additional steps that will be taken are as follows:

1) A member of the UMD athletic training staff, and/or coaching staff will accompany the injured student-athlete to the medical facility with the student-athlete's insurance and emergency medical information.
     --Once at the medical facility the member of the UMD staff will then contact the UMD Head Athletic Trainer of the situation and medical updates.

2) The Head Athletic Trainer will then contact the Associate Athletic Director-   Louise Goodrum to notify her of the emergency situation.
     --The associate athletic director will contact other Athletic Department and University administrative personnel as deemed necessary.

3) The Head Athletic Trainer will then make every effort to contact the student-athlete's family/ emergency contact of the emergency situation.
     --The Head Athletic Trainer will continue to stay in contact with the student-athlete's family/contact to provide them with any medical updates.

4) At the conclusion of the game/ practice the Team Physician (if applicable), head coach, and any other appropriate member of the UMD Athletics staff will brief the team in the locker room.
     --The team will be advised not to speak to any member of the media.

5)  If possible either the Head Athletic Trainer or Associate Athletic Director or a designee, and any other appropriate personnel will proceed to the medical facility.

6)  After receiving consent from the student-athlete's emergency contact, the Head Athletic Trainer, Team Physician, head coach, and Associate Athletic Director, in consultation with the UMD Sports Information Department may release an official statement to the media.     --The Sports Information Department may not release a statement until consent is given by the student-athlete's family, and the Team Physician, Head Athletic Trainer and Associate Athletic Director have approved and authorized the statement.
     --The official statement must follow all HIPAA guidelines about what information can be released without invading the student-athlete's as well as his/her family's privacy.

7)  The UMD Head Athletic Trainer will also be responsible for contacting the UMD Counseling Center and authorities at the medical facility for the purpose of arranging psychologists, grief counselors, etc. for the use of all team and athletics department personnel.

8)  The UMD Head Athletic Trainer and/or a designee will be responsible for collecting all equipment and materials involved and secure in a locked area.  Also the completion of documentation concerning the events and everyone involved will be completed by the Head Athletic Trainer or her designee.

 

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Sports Medicine

Catastrophic Injury and Emergency Notification Contact Form

Date: __________                   Time: _________                  Place: __________________

Visitor Contact (Athletic Department Staff member that accompanied student athlete to hospital):

Name: ________________________________             Position: _____________________

Name: ________________________________             Position: _____________________

Name: ________________________________             Position: _____________________

Emergency Transport: ___________________________________________________

Emergency Transport Personnel: __________________________________________
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Hospital: _____________________                  Attending Physician:     _________________

 Address: _____________________                                                       _________________

                _____________________                                                      _________________

Phone # ______________________                                                      _________________

Family Emergency Contact:     _______________________________________________

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Notes:

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University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Sports Medicine

Catastrophic Injury and Emergency Notification Contact Form

Emergency:

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Outcome/ Follow Up:

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Signature: ___________________            Print: _________________  Date: ____________

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Emergency Protocol for UMD Teams

When Traveling to Away Contests

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Athletic Training Department has developed this policy for all UMD varsity athletic teams for when they are competing at another intercollegiate institution.  The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the student athletes that compete for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth receive the same medical care at an away contest as they would at a home event.  The following is a guide of tasks that the institution requests so that the student athletes receive proper and effective treatments.  THIS POLICY IS NOT MEANT TO OVERRIDE ANY POLICIES OR PROTOCOLS THAT THE HOST INSTITUTION HAVE IN PLACE!

Traveling Teams Protocol
All teams except football, ice hockey and men's lacrosse will have a fully stocked medical kit to travel to all away contests.  All of these medical kits will contain a standard amount of tape, first aid supplies, ace wraps, and some other miscellaneous items.  If the team requires more then the standard amount, the UMD Athletic Training Staff will add the proper amounts needed.  This kit will also contain a print out of each player's personal information as well as their insurance information.  The medical kit will also contain a checklist of steps to take if an injury occurs at an away contest.  This form will  contain phone numbers and e-mails of members of the UMD Athletic Training Room and other members of the UMD Athletic staff in case of an emergency.  The teams will be issued these medical kits at the beginning of the season.  The medical kits can be stored in the UMD Athletic Training Room but the teams will be responsible for picking up and returning them to the Athletic Training Room.  If a team chooses to keep the medical kit in the Athletic Training Staff requests that the kit is returned the day after any away contest so that it can be properly restocked.

Football, ice hockey, and men's lacrosse will travel with a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) from the University.  The ATC will be responsible for carrying the player personal and insurance information.  They will also assume responsibility to following the proper steps for an injury at an away contest.  If a ATC is unable to travel with one of these teams they will be issued a medical kit like all other teams. 

If an ATC is able to travel with a team other then the three sports stated above, the ATC will assume the responsibility for any injuries.  However the team will still be responsible for traveling with their medical kits that contain the player information.

Responsibility of Team at a Away Contest
When a team arrives at an away contest the head coach, or ATC when with team, is expected to introduce themselves to the host Athletic Trainer in attempt to coordinate care for the student athletes.  If the ATC is unable to travel with the team to an away event they will call the host institutions Athletic Training staff to inform them of any previous injuries that they should be aware of and explain any treatments that they would like performed on the UMD student athletes.  If the team has any athletes with injuries that require attention or if a player is instructed by the UMD staff to inform the host ATC of a injury or illness, the head coach is expected to send these players to the Athletic Trainer as soon as possible.

The head coach, or ATC is expected to uphold all of the UMD Athletic Training Room Rules with all UMD student athletes.  The student athletes are to never assume they cannot treat another institution's Athletic Training Room differently then the do at a home event.  The UMD Athletic Training staff would like to uphold a high standard of courteousness to other staffs as they expect at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. 

Non-Severe Non-Life Threatening Injuries
If an injury occurs at an away contest and a UMD Athletic Trainer is not with the team the host institution is responsible for the evaluation, treatment, and playing status of the injured athlete.  In the case of a non-life threatening injury follow these steps:

1)     ----Inform the host Athletic Trainer
----Follow the treatment plan that is recommended by the host Athletic Trainer.
----The head coach will contact the UMD Athletic Training Room of the new injury at the first opportunity with the player's name, injury, extent of the injury, treatment given so far, and what time the athlete will be coming to the UMD Athletic Training Room.
----The injured athlete should report to the UMD Athletic Training Room as soon as possible so that the proper treatment plan is followed to return the student athlete back to full participation.

If the UMD Athletic Trainer has traveled with the team to an away contest they will treat the injury as if it were a injury that occurred at home and an injury report will be used to document the event.  The ATC will treat the injury the way that they feel is most effective.  

Severe Non-Life Threatening Injuries
If an injury occurs at an away contest that is deemed severe but not life threatening causing the student athlete to travel to the hospital, one of the following sequences should be adhered to:

If a UMD Athletic Trainer is NOT with the team the procedure should be:
1)  Inform the host Athletic Trainer
2)  Assist the host Athletic Trainer with the proper treatment and any other tasks that are needed to effectively send the student athlete to the hospital. 
3)  When the ambulance arrives assist the paramedics / EMTs with getting the student athlete into the ambulance.
4)  A member of the University's coaching staff or an administrator must accompany the athlete to the hospital.  Make sure to bring the students personal and medical information with the athlete to the hospital.  A teammate, student manager, student assistant coach, or friend do not fulfill this requirement to accompany the student athlete to the hospital and cannot be this person.
5)  The team bus will be responsible for transporting the athlete home unless other arrangements are made.
6)  The head coach will be responsible for contacting the UMD Athletic Training Room with details of the injury.
7)  The student athlete will report to the UMD Athletic Training Room as soon as possible for the proper treatment.

If a UMD Athletic Trainer is with the team the procedure should be:
1)   Inform the host Athletic Trainer
2)   The ATC will make the athlete comfortable until the ambulance arrives.
3)   Assist the EMT/paramedics with getting the student athlete into the ambulance.
4)   A member of the University's coaching staff or an administrator must accompany the athlete to the hospital.  Make sure to bring the students personal and medical information with the athlete to the hospital.  A teammate, student manager, student assistant coach, or friend do not fulfill this requirement to accompany the student athlete to the hospital and can not be this person.  The ATC is not responsible for traveling with the student athlete unless the contest is over and the team has been properly treated.
5)   The team bus will be responsible for transporting the athlete home unless other arrangements are made.
6)   The student athlete will report to the UMD Athletic Training Room as soon as possible for the proper treatment.

Anytime the athlete is admitted to the hospital an attempt should be made to obtain the MD notes, x-ray films, etc, for the follow up with the UMD team orthopedic.

Life-Threatening and/or Catastrophic Injuries
If a student-athlete is injured at an away contest and it is deemed a life threatening injury the head coach and / or Athletic Trainer should follow the steps outlined in the Catastrophic Injury Appendix of the Emergency Action Plan.

Away Contest Injury Protocol Checklist

Athletic Training Room Phone Numbers

508-999-8731 or 508-999-8726

Wendy Kirby E-Mail

wkirby@umassd.edu

Non-Severe Injuries

        1)      Inform the host Athletic Trainer
2)      Follow the treatment plan of the host Athletic Trainer
3)      The head coach should contact the Athletic Training Room of the injury
4)      The injured athlete should report to the Athletic Training Room as soon as possible.

Severe Non-Life Threatening Injuries

       1)      Inform the host Athletic Trainer
2)      Follow the treatment plan of the host Athletic Trainer
3)      If ambulance is needed assist the paramedics where needed
4)      A member of the coaching staff or parent will accompany the athlete to the hospital with the athlete's insurance information.  A teammate, student coach or manager or friend does not fulfill this requirement!
5)      The team bus will be responsible for transporting the athlete home unless they are admitted or other arrangements have been made
6)      The head coach will contact the Athletic Training Room
7)      The injured athlete should report to the Athletic Training Room as soon as possible.

Life-Threatening or Catastrophic Injury

1)      Inform the host Athletic Trainer
2)      Follow the treatment plan of the host Athletic Trainer
3)      If ambulance is needed assist the paramedics where needed
4)      A member of the coaching staff or parent will accompany the athlete to the hospital with the athlete's insurance information.  A teammate, student coach or manager or friend does not fulfill this requirement!
5)      The head coach will contact the Head Athletic Trainer to initiate the Catastrophic Injury Plan
6)      At the conclusion of the game the coaching staff will brief the team in the locker room, advising them to not speak to any member of the media.
7)      Arrangements will be made to bring any staff member home once another member of the EAP Response Team or a family member has arrived.

Automated External Defibrillator Protocol

Overview

The Automated External Defibrillator (AED) protocol for the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is designed to provide guidelines for the use and care of these machines.  An AED is a device used to treat victims experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.  The American Heart Association and American Red Cross consider the early fibrillation as the key to patient survival rate.  When used correctly, the AED will analyze the heart rhythm and advise the operator if a shockable rhythm is detected; the AED will then charge to the appropriate energy level and advise the operator to deliver a shock.  Defibrillation is only one piece of proper resuscitation.  The use of CPR and other first aid techniques are crucial to successful resuscitation.

AED Type and Locations

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Athletic Training Department has seven AED's which are located in various points throughout the Tripp Athletic Center.  The Athletic Training Department has chosen to use the Defibtech LifeLine AED.  All AED's are stored in a black Soft Carry Case that is clearly marked with yellow AED writing and a yellow reflector strip.  Other contents found inside this case include a set of defibrillator pads, an operating guide, and a CPR response pack.  The response pack includes: 1 CPR mask, 2 pairs- protective gloves, 1 pair of emergency shears, 1 medical prep razor, 1 absorbent dry towel, 1 antiseptic towelette, 1 equipment towelette, and 1 Biohazard Bag.

These AED's are located throughout the Tripp Athletic Center and the Fitness Center.  The locations are as followed:

• 1- Fitness Center Office - Fitness Center
• 1- Pool Coaches Office - Tripp Athletic Center
• 1- Associate Athletic Director's Office - Tripp Athletic Center Third Floor
• 4- Athletic Training Room - Tripp Athletic Center
  • Each Certified Athletic Trainer will be in possession of one unit to bring with them to all events that they are covering.  The ATC will also bring an AED with them to any event that they are traveling to for away contests and will make the home ATC aware that this device is located with the UMD Athletic Trainer if needed.
  • One AED will be kept in the Athletic Training Room in the Tripp Athletic Center at all times.  Whenever an ATC is not covering an event the AED's will be stored in a locked cabinet found in the office of the Athletic Training Room.

Use of the AED

An AED should only be used on patients in cardiopulmonary arrest.  The patient must be unconscious, not breathing and pulseless before the device can analyze the patient's cardiac rhythm.  This device is not intended for use on children under the age of eight.

The use of these devices are permitted to only those personnel who have been properly trained in CPR and who have AED training equivalent to that recommended by the American Red Cross.

Indications For Use
The use of any AED on a cardiac arrest victim must include the following criteria before implementing its use:

        ·        Unconscious
·        Absence of normal breathing
·        Absence of a pulse and circulation of blood

Contraindications For Use
An AED should NOT be used on any patient if any of the following criteria are met:

• Is conscious
• Is breathing
• Has a detectable pulse or other signs of circulation

Safety
The following are general precautions about the use of an AED unit:

• Do not attempt to operate the AED units unless thoroughly familiar with their operating instructions, and the function of all controls, indicators, connections, and accessories.
• Do not immerse any portion of the AED unit in water or other fluids.
• Do not use this device in the presence of flammable gases or agents.
• Avoid operating the AED units near cauterizes, diathermy equipment, two-way radios, or cellular phones.  Maintain equipment separation of at least four feet.

Inspection
Inspections will be done on a monthly basis and after each use per the operating instructions manual.  The AED Operator's Checklist will be used for the monthly and after use inspections.  The AED units also perform self-tests daily, weekly, monthly, and when it is turned on for use.

Operating Procedures
The Defibtech LifeLine AED is an automated external defibrillator that uses voice prompts to guide the rescuer through each step of resuscitation.  Inside the soft side carry case can be found a laminated card with the proper steps that are used in the effective use of the device. 

Cleaning
Cleaning of the AED units should take place after each use.  Only the use of a soft damp cloth with either soap and water, isopropyl alcohol, or a peroxide solution should be used to clean this unit.  DO NOT use bleach, bleach dilution, or phenolic compounds to clean any part of the AED.  DO NOT use abrasive or flammable cleaning agents.  DO NOT steam, autoclave, or gas sterilize the AED

Lightning Safety Policy

The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Athletic Training Department has adapted this Lightning Policy from the National Athletic Trainers Association's Position Statement on Lightning Safety as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Guideline 1d on Lightning Safety.

"Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect intercollegiate athletics.  Within the United States, the National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL) estimates that 100 fatalities and 400-500 injuries requiring medical treatment occur from lightning strikes every year.  While the probability of being struck by lightning is extremely low, the odds are significantly greater when a storm is in the area and the proper safety precautions are not followed."

        -   Excerpt from NCAA Guide Line1d Lightning Safety

           Table of Contents

1. Chain of Command
2. Means of Monitoring Weather
3. Safe Locations from a Lightning Hazard
4. Unsafe Locations from a Lightning Hazard
5. If No Safe Location is Available
6. Suspension and Resumption of Athletic Activities
7. Pre-hospital Care of Lightning Strike Victims
8. Designated Safe Structures for UMD Venues

 

1) Chain of Command

·        Certified Athletic Trainer -                The ATC will make a call to postpone or resume any practice or contest based on this policy.  It is the responsibility of the ATC to inform the head coach of both teams and game officials of the information of this policy.  It is also the responsibility of the ATC with the head coach, game officials and game administration to monitor the weather to determine when the game is suspended and when it may resume.

·        Head Coach and staff -                      It is the responsibility of the head coach and his/her staff to obtain a weather report the day before any practice/game.  Staff should be prepared and aware of any potential thunderstorms planning accordingly.  The head coach will be in charge of removing athletes from the any practice/game areas and direct them to designated safe locations.

·        Game Officials -                              The game officials will be responsible for suspending and resuming the game.  They will also assist in the removal of athletes from the playing area and will monitor the weather with the ATC, head coaches, and game administrators.

·        Game Administrators -                   The game  administrators  will  assist the  ATC with     the upholding of this policy. They will also be responsible for removing  spectators from the stands and direct them to safe locations.

2) Means of Monitoring Weather

• The head coach will be responsible to monitor the weather the day prior to any event.
  • The National Weather Service issues thunderstorm watches and warnings to people against developing problems.  A "watch" means that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop, while a "warning" indicates that severe weather has been reported in an area and for everyone to take proper precautions.
• The game administrators will monitor the weather the day of an event, and alert staff of any pending threats of thunderstorms for the possibility of postponing the activity before the event is scheduled to start.

• Once the activity has started the ATC, game official, head coach, and game administrator are all responsible for watching for any sign of lightning.  When lightning is spotted the SkyScan Model P5 Lightning Detector or the Flash/ Bang Method of determining how close the storm is used.  As soon as the distance has reached 6 miles (30 seconds) the game will be suspended.

Sky Scan Model P5 Lightning Detector is a portable lightning detector which detects electromagnetic emissions from individual lightning strokes.  It has been designed to detect any emissions within 40 miles.  It conveys the level of activity of lightning in a storm as each time it detects a lightning stroke, it emits an audible warning tone.  With each tone it will also register the distance away of each stroke of lightning on its range indicator.

Flash/ Bang Method - Count the number of seconds that pass between a lightning strike (flash) and the following sound of thunder (bang).  Take that number of seconds between flash and bang then divide by five; the resulting number is the approximate distance, in miles, from the practice/game area to the lightning flash.

3) Safe Locations from a Lightning Hazard

• Any fully enclosed, substantial building; ideally with plumbing, electrical wiring and telephone service which aid in grounding the building.
• If a substantial building is not available, a fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and the windows completely enclosed is a reasonable alternative.  It is not the rubber tires that make it safe, but the hard metal roof that dissipates the lightning strike around the vehicle.
• Cellular or cordless telephones should be used for summoning help during a thunderstorm.  They are a reasonably safer alternative to land- line telephones.

4) Unsafe Locations from a Lightning Hazard

• Small structures such as rain or picnic shelters, team dugouts, or any athletic storage sheds should be avoided during thunderstorms.
• Convertible vehicles and golf carts do not provide a high level of protection due to the cloth roof and can not be considered safe from lightning.
• Locker-room shower areas, swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), land-line telephones and electrical appliances are also unsafe due to the possible contact with current carrying conduction.

5) If No Safe Location is Available

• Find a thick grove of small trees surrounded by taller trees or a dry ditch.
• Stay away from the tallest trees or objects (i.e. light poles or flag poles), metal objects (i.e. fences or bleachers), individual trees, standing pools of water, and open fields.
• Assume a crouched position on the ground with only the balls of your feet touching the ground, head lowered and cover your ears.  DO NOT LIE FLAT!
• A person who feels his/her hair stand on end or skin tingle should immediately assume the position described above.

6) Suspension and Resumption of Athletic Activity

• Suspension of athletic activity should occur when lightning is within six miles as registered on the SkyScan Lighning Detector or the Flash/ Bang ratio reaches thirty seconds.
• The Sky Scan Lightning Detector and the Flash/Bang Method should be used in conjunction with local weather reports to make a sound decision.
• Resumption of athletic activity should not occur until thirty minutes after the last lightning flash has been seen.

7) Pre-Hospital Care of Lightning Strike Victims

• Activate the local emergency management system.
• Lightning strike victims do not carry a charge and are safe to access.
• The first rule of CPR, make sure the scene is safe, applies here as well.  If need be move the victim to a safe location.
• It has been demonstrated that there is a high success rate of resuscitating lightning strike victims using CPR and an AED.  Thus, it is imperative to treat the "apparently dead" first by promptly initiating CPR.
• Secondary survey should include evaluating and treating these common injuries from lightning strikes: hypothermia, shock, fractures and burns.
• For a detailed description of how to handle an incident when an individual is struck by lightning refer to the catastrophic injury plan.

8) Designated Safe Structures for UMD Venues:

All on-campus fields:

Primary: Tripp Athletic Center Gym and/or locker room (Do not use showers), or the fitness center.

                Secondary: Personal vehicles w/ metal roof and/or team bus.

Unacceptable locations: Convertible vehicles, golf carts, bullpens, storage sheds, canopies, pop-up tents, under bleachers or awnings.

Golf Course:

Primary:Allendale Country Club Clubhouse and/or locker room (Do not use showers).

                Secondary: Personal vehicles w/ metal roof and/or team bus.

Unacceptable locations: Convertible vehicles, golf carts, bullpens, storage sheds, canopies, pop-up tents, under bleachers or awnings.

Outdoor Safety Procedures for Sporting Events

Game Suspension for Electrical Storms

The Head Coach of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will inform the visiting team's Head Coach of the electrical storm protocol during the pre-game period when ground rules are discussed.

1)      The Certified Athletic Trainer, Head Coach of the home team, and/or Game Administrator in consultation with the game officials will make the decision to suspend or delay the game. 

2)      When the decision to suspend play has been made, the Game Administrator will inform the public announcer to inform the fans.

3)      The home team accompanied by their coaches will go directly to the home team locker room and remain there until notification has been given to resume or cancel further play.  The home team Head Coach will remain in communications with the Game official and the Game Administrator to assist in the decision to resume or cancel play.

4)      The visiting team accompanied by their coaching staff will immediately report to the Tripp Athletic Center Gym until the decision to resume or cancel play has been made.

5)      If the decision is made to cancel further play, the Head Coaches are responsible for the safe departure of their teams and staff.

6)      The Sports Medicine Staff will seek shelter in the Sports Medicine area.

7)      The Game Management Staff is responsible for the safety of their staff.

8)      The Game Administrator will direct spectators to safe areas within the grandstand.

SAFETY OF HUMAN LIFE SUPERSEDES ALL OTHER CONCERNS!

Guidelines to be used for the determination of game suspension are those identified by the NCAA and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Athletic Department.

The SkyScan Lightning Detector or the Flash/Bang method used by the University is determining the distance from the activity to the storm.  If there is an interval of 30 seconds or less between flash of lightning and the thunder, the game will be suspended.  LIGHTNING CAN STRIKE EVEN WITH THE EXISTENCE OF BLUE SKY AND THE ABSENCE OF RAIN. 

Flash/ Bang Method - Count the number of seconds that past between a lightning strike (flash) and the following sound of thunder (bang).  Take that number of seconds between flash and bang then divide by five; the resulting number is the approximate distance, in miles, from the practice/game area to the lightning flash.

Cold Weather Protocols

Cold exposure can be uncomfortable, impair performance and even become life threatening. Conditions created by cold exposure include wind chill, frostbite and hypothermia. Wind chill can make activity uncomfortable and can impair performance when muscle temperature declines. Frostbite is the freezing of superficial tissues, usually of the face, ears, fingers and toes. Hypothermia, a significant drop in body temperature, occurs with rapid cooling, exhaustion and energy depletion. The resulting failure of the temperature-regulating mechanisms constitutes a medical emergency.

-          Excerpt from NCAA Guide Line

2b Cold Stress

             Table of Contents

1. Chain of Command
2. Means of Monitoring Weather
3. Regulations Outlined by the NCAA of Participation
4. Cold Related Illnesses
5. Treatment for Cold Related Injuries

1) Chain of Command

·        Certified Athletic Trainer - The ATC will make a call to postpone or limit any practice or contest based on this policy.  It is the responsibility of the ATC to inform the head coach of all teams, and game officials of the policy.

·        Head Coach and Staff -         It is the responsibility of the head coach and his/her staff to obtain a weather report the day before any practice/ game.  The staff should be prepared and aware for any cold weather days and plan accordingly.

·        Game Officials -                    The game officials will be responsible for suspending any games that are affected by this policy.

2) Means of Monitoring Weather

• The head coach will be responsible to monitor the weather the day prior to any event.  He/ she should make proper preparations for the following days event.
• The Head Athletic Trainer will check the National Weather Service each day that may encounter weather inappropriate for athletic activity.  The Head ATC will take this information and refer to the chart located in the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook Guideline 2b on if it is safe and how long teams are able to participate on each day.  With this information the Head ATC will contact all head coaches of teams and game officials that this weather will affect.

3) Regulations Outlined by the NCAA of Participation

The following chart is supplied by the National Weather Service for appropriate activity in cold weather.  This chart will be used by the Head Athletic Trainer in the determination of activity allowed each day.

4) Cold Related Illnesses

Frostbite
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas (nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes). Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation.

Signs of Frostbite
The first signs are redness or pain in any skin area. Other signs include:

• a white or grayish-yellow skin area
• skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• numbness
• People are often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

Hypothermia
In cold temperatures you begin to lose heat faster than you can produce it. Prolonged exposure to cold may result in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperatures that drop too low affect the brain and make it difficult to think clearly or move quickly. Hypothermia is dangerous because you may not know it's occurring until it's too late.

Hypothermia is more likely at very cold temperatures, but can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

Signs of Hypothermia

• shivering / exhaustion
• confusion / fumbling hands
• memory loss / slurred speech
• drowsiness

5) Treatment for Cold Related Injuries

Frostbite

If there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and immediate medical care is not available:

• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Avoid walking on frostbitten feet or toes (this increases the damage).
• Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water.
• Warm the affected area using body heat.
• Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it; this can cause more damage.
• Don't use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider.

First take a temperature: If below 95° get medical attention immediately and begin warming the person by:

• Get into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove wet clothing
• Warm the core of the body first with an electric blanket, or skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets.
• Warm beverages - not alcohol - and not if unconscious.
• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case get emergency assistance immediately. Start CPR until the victim responds or medical aid becomes available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.

Appendix

-See the following site: http://www.corsairathletics.com/sports-med/masd-sports-med.html