Athletic Trainers
Athletic Trainers: Ashley Kennedy and Scott Applebaum
conardatc@whps.org
860-231-5000, x6145
Video links for ACL injury prevention
CIAC Concussion Central
Please visit CIAC Concussion Central before signing up for any sport:
Concussions/Head Injuries Parent Notification Form
R.I.C.E
The standard procedures for the initial care of athletic injuries are universally accepted and can be remembered by the acronym RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). These procedures are designed to control inflammation, pain, muscle spasm, and minimize the magnitude of the hematoma, which allows the process of healing to begin earlier and proceed at a more rapid rate.
REST
The period of rest required after an injury will vary based on the severity of the injury and the athletic trainer’s philosophy. Rest following an athletic injury is necessary to allow the body time to get the effects of trauma under control and to avoid additional damage or stress to the injured tissue.
ICE
Cold applications to an acute athletic injury reduce tissue damage, result in the formation of a smaller hematoma, decrease the amount of inflammation, and reduce the amount of muscle spasm and pain that may accompany the injury.
Ice should be used intermittently for the first 72 hours following an athletic injury. There are three treatment methods:
- Ice Pack. Put crushed or cubed ice in a plastic bag and place over the body part to be treated. (A frozen bag of peas work as well). Use for 15-20 minutes. Be sure to cover area with a thin towel to form a barrier between the skin and ice to avoid damage to the skin.
- Ice Bath. Immerse the body part (ideal for hands or feet) in a bucket of water and then add ice. If fingers and toes are not involved it may be more comfortable to cover them or leave them out. Immersion should be for 5-10 minutes (20 minutes max).
- Ice Massage. Freeze water in a Styrofoam or paper cup. Tear the edges of the cup away exposing the ice yet leaving the cup to hold on to. Using a gentle, circular motion, rub the ice over the injured area for 5-10 minutes.
*Maximum ice treatment time is 20-30 minutes. Tissue damage may occur and the effects of ice may be reversed if it is applied for more than 20-30 minutes.
Compression
The purpose of applying compression to an acute injury is to help control or reduce the amount of hemorrhage and hematoma formation. Compression is usually applied in the form of an elastic bandage but may also include the use of foam or rubber padding. Be sure to avoid wrapping the body part to tight since this can affect the blood flow to the area, and can cause further injury.
Elevation
Elevating an injured body part above the level of the heart as much as possible for the first 24 hours following the injury further reduces the amount of swelling associated with the injury by limiting fluid pooling and encouraging venous return to the heart.
* Always seek medical attention if the symptoms associated to the injury worsen
FAQs
My son/daughter was evaluated by a physician for an injury. Does he/she need anything to return to his/her sports?
Yes. When an athlete seeks treatment from a physician in regards to an injury or medical condition, whether referred by one of the athletic trainers or not, a note is required from the physician clearing the athlete to return to athletics. This note, which may dictate restricted or non-restricted play, must be submitted to the athletic training office. With this note, the athletic trainers are able to re-evaluate the athlete and return them to their sport. The athletic trainers will then work with the athlete and coach to determine the most appropriate practice and game plan to ensure there is minimal chance for re-injury.
Is there a comprehensive plan in place for emergencies that may occur at athletic events at Conard High School?
Conard High School has an emergency action plan that specifies how our coaches, athletes, and staff respond to emergencies, medical and non-medical, while at contests and practices held at Conard High School and off campus venues (i.e. aquatic center and hockey rink). The plan is separated by venues and is issued and reviewed at each preseason coaches meeting.
Does Conard High School have any policies in regards to the safety of its student athletes during periods of unfavorable environmental conditions?
Yes. Conard High School has specific policies which address environmental conditions such as high heat/humid conditions and also lightning storms. The policies typically include modifications to practice and sometime game play. The decisions on these modifications are in collaboration between the athletic training department and athletic director and are made based on the daily environmental conditions.
My son/daughter stated they had to take the impact test today. What is the impact test and how is it utilized at Conard High School?
The ImPACT, Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing, is a computerized program which provides a cognitive evaluation of the athlete. It is used in the management of head injuries and concussion. At Conard High School, this process includes a baseline test to each freshman athlete who participates in a collision/contact sport. These sports include: Football, Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Soccer, Field Hockey, Girls’ Volleyball, Cheerleading, Girls’ Diving, Boys’ Basketball, Girls’ Basketball, Wrestling, Hockey, Boys’ Diving, Indoor Pole Vaulters, Baseball, Softball, Boys’ Lacrosse, Girls’ Lacrosse, Boys’ Volleyball, and Outdoor Pole Vaulters.
Any athlete who sustains a head injury during participation in a sport will be required to take a post-injury ImPACT test. The athlete then must achieve results within the results achieved on the preseason baseline test or within normal limits determined by the test should there be no baseline test, demonstrating that there are no cognitive deficits related to the injury.
The results of the ImPACT test do not determine whether or not an athlete may return to his/her sport. It is used as part of the athlete’s care in recovering from a head injury.
For more information on the ImPACT test, visit www.Impacttest.com. For more information in regards to the testing at Conard High School, contact one of the athletic trainers.
I need to get in contact with one of the athletic trainers in regard to my son/daughter’s injury. How can I best reach them?
The athletic trainers are available primarily after school until the last contest has concluded. A message can be left on the athletic training room office voicemail. One of the athletic trainers will get back to you as soon as they can. Should you need to contact the athletic trainers outside of this time, their email address information can be found in the athletic training department webpage.
