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Coronary artery anomalies
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Exercise-induced anaphylaxis
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Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
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EMERGENCY SITUATION
A 15-year-old wrestler with insulin-dependant diabetes is brought to the athletic training room half-way through practice by a teammate who states that the wrestler appears to be confused and “out of it.” He does not think that he had hit his head but has been saying things that don’t make any sense. When you question the wrestler about what he had eaten and when he last took his insulin, he slurs his words and is not able to focus on what you are saying. What should you do next?
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Emergencies in the care of athletes are uncommon. However, different sports present different risks for the athletes participating in those sports, and these differing risks increase the challenge for the athletic trainer who must prepare for a variety of sports injuries in a number of different sports (Box 7-1). In general, emergency preparation should begin with a plan to address issues with the facility; the arrangement of transportation; emergency equipment; the personnel involved in the decisions to transport and/or treat; and, ultimately, ongoing care after the initial management has been addressed. The sports medicine team should review and, ideally, practice emergency care prior to the season, so that each member of the team knows his or her role and can execute it without incident. Undoubtedly, preparation and practice for emergency care are the most important components of successful management in the emergency setting.
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Box 7-1 Medical Emergencies
Sudden cardiac death
Exercise-induced anaphylaxis
Pulmonary issues
Diabetic emergencies
Mononucleosis and sickle cell trait
Hypertension
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STAT Point 7-1. Preparation and practice for emergency care are critical components of successful management of emergencies.
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Athletic trainers should be aware of field conditions, including possible hazards on or near the field. They should know where emergency transportation personnel ...