Protocol For Treatment of Injured Heidelberg Student-Athletes
This protocol was developed by our team physicians and staff athletic trainers and must be followed at all times.
Standard Operating Procedures
1. All injured athletes should be evaluated by a member of the Sports Medicine Team as soon as possible after an injury occurs.
2. In the absence of a Heidelberg University team physician, the initial evaluation will be performed by a Certified Athletic Trainer licensed in the state of Ohio. The most important determination to be made is whether or not immediate physician examination is required. If the need for a physician's assessment is obvious or if there is any doubt as to the need for a physician, contact a Heidelberg University Team Physician on call that day.
A. Urgent physician attendance is required and the student-athlete should be taken to emergency room under the following circumstances:
• obvious fractures
• lacerations requiring sutures
• head injuries with a loss of consciousness or prolonged mental/neurological impairment
• neck or spinal injuries with loss of motion or sensation, even if only temporary
• eye injury
• other injuries as deemed necessary by the Certified Athletic Trainer
B. In the event of head, neck, spine, and eye injuries less severe than those above, immediate contact should be made with Stoner Health Center.
C. For the non-critical injuries, an ATC may provide the following:
• emergency care, transportation, first aid, and evaluation of athletic injuries and sudden illnesses
• application of physical modalities including heat, cold, compression, whirlpools, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, paraffin, and massage
• the application and construction of preventative, supportive, and immobilization devices such as wraps, tape, braces, splints, and padding
• musculoskeletal testing and evaluation
• administration and instruction of rehabilitative exercises
• administration and instruction of strengthening and conditioning exercises
• education and instruction of nutritional and health care habits
3. Only minor injuries do not require a referral to a team physician. In this situation, a daily report of that athlete's injury and the treatment being administered will be presented to Stoner Health Center for review by a team physician at the next scheduled doctor's clinic.
4. Student-athletes who have been evaluated by any physician must be cleared by a Heidelberg University team physician prior to returning to any level of activity.
5. The Team Physicians fully respect an injured athlete's choice to receive his or her medical care from a physician who is not affiliated with Heidelberg Unviersity. This includes either the initial medical care or pursuing a second opinion after the care of a Heidelberg University Team Physician.
6. Whenever a student-athlete receives a second-opinion consultation or chooses to receive his or her medical care outside of the Stoner Health Center, the Institution requires:
A. A timely written report from the physician consulted stating significant physical findings at the time of evaluation, diagnosis, plan of treatment including follow-up instructions and when they expect the student-athlete to safely return to full activity. In addition, we authorize the athletic training staff to assist or carry out any other instructions or procedures prescribed by the Heidelberg University Team Physicians.
1. It is unconditionally accepted by the student-athlete, the ATCs, and the Heidelberg University coaching staff that irrespective of where the student-athlete receives care for his/her injury, the responsibility for the final decision regarding the safe return of a Heidelberg athlete to sports will always rest with the Heidelberg University Team Physicians.