ONTARIO — OhioHealth athletic trainers want student athletes to have the best chance at full recovery if they get injured on the field.
That’s why they’re taking the time to practice with local first responders, making sure they’re prepared for every scenario.
On July 29, OhioHealth athletic trainers teamed with Springfield Township EMS at Ontario High School to practice treating trauma injuries on the football field.
OhioHealth Athletic Trainer Tyler Sipes walked trainers through multiple situations, some requiring athletic trainers to cut through pads, or load athletes onto a spine board.
Sipes says as the only medical professionals on the field, preparation is key.
“This is an important part of our practice for us every year,” Sipes said. “We are the first line of medical personnel that gets on the field when an athlete gets hurt, so it’s important for us to know what we’re doing, as we’re the only ones there until EMS arrives.
“We have to be prepared for a little bit of everything until they get there.”
OhioHealth is now the exclusive sports medicine provider for Ontario Local Schools.
The school system will have two full-time athletic trainers year-round to meet the needs of student athletes at all levels.
In addition, OhioHealth provides CPR and first aid courses for coaches, concussion baseline testing for athletes, wrestling weight assessments, pre-participation sports physicals, and other selected medical services.
“OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital and our Sports Medicine Team are excited to bring our quality program to the Ontario School District,” said Lisa Parker, associate manager of OhioHealth Sports Medicine.
“The OhioHealth Sports Medicine program has a strong base since its inception in 2006 and our program has continued to grow as we have more than 180 athletic trainers at more than 90 schools.
“We are ready to go and looking forward to our partnership with the Ontario School District for many years to come.”
Ontario High School has its first football game Aug. 23. Sipes, the OhioHealth athletic trainer for Ontario Local Schools, will be on the sideline and ready to help treat any potential injury.