Supporting Student Athletes

Certified athletic trainers are specialized healthcare providers who are skilled and trained in the prevention of injury and illness, and examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of emergency, acute, or chronic injuries.

Our athletic trainers are experts in caring for simple to serious sports injuries and illnesses, ranging from heat illness and broken bones to cardiac events, and brain and spinal cord injuries that can be life-threatening if not managed correctly.

When to see a certified athletic trainer

Seek the help of a certified athletic trainers when you suspect or are diagnosed with a concussion or injuries to muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves and bones.

An athletic trainer can help you manage the injury and determine whether an in-person screening is necessary. To reach a Great River health athletic trainer, call 319-768-4152 for appointments Monday through Friday. After clinic hours, a certified athletic trainer may direct athletes with possible fractures or dislocation to one of Great River Health's walk-in clinics. In the case of chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, visit the nearest emergency department.

about concussions

A concussion is a trauma-induced alteration in mental status that may or may not involve loss of consciousness. It can result from:

• A direct blow to the head, face, or neck
• A blow to another area of the body in which the force is transmitted to the head

Concussion typically results in the rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurological function that resolves spontaneously. But in some cases symptoms and signs may evolve over several minutes to hours. Certified athletic trainers have an important role in recognizing, assessing, and managing concussions, including critical return-to-play education and decisions.

All student-athletes must follow and complete the return-to-play protocol before being cleared for participation, according to the Iowa Concussion Law.

Baseline testing

The athlete's balance and brain function are assessed.

On-field evaluation

Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be removed from participation immediately. After first aid is addressed, if necessary, a certified athletic trainer will conduct an assessment to compare to the baseline test. A player with concussion-like symptoms will not be allowed to return to play on the day of the injury.

Clinical evaluation

The athlete is reassessed by the certified athletic trainer 24 to 72 hours after the injury to receive instructions for follow-up care.

Returning to play

The certified athletic trainer provides guidelines for returning to play gradually.