As fall sports practices draw closer, Athletic Trainers across northeast Wisconsin are preparing for the moments they hope never happen.
"We do this every year," said Terry Beeck, Team Leader of Athletic Training Services for Emplify Health by Bellin. "It's a great opportunity to get our team back together and work through some scenarios that we hope we never have to deal with. But the reality is, in our profession as athletic trainers, we could be called upon at any time to use these services."
For Athletic Trainer Carli Kunesh of Ashwaubenon High School, the annual event reinforces essential skills while providing new learning opportunities each year.
"It's so important," Kunesh said. "I've been an athletic trainer for seven years now, and every year we do this, I learn something new. It's a great touchpoint to have so that in the event of an emergency, we're prepared."
She emphasized that preparation can directly affect outcomes during an emergency.
"The quicker you can get advanced medical services there, the better you're going to be," Kunesh said. "The more we know our stuff could mean life or death. Seconds determine that."
Beyond practicing emergency skills, the training strengthens relationships between Athletic Trainers, physicians, EMS personnel, and coaches.
"It takes a team for care of our student athletes," Beeck said. "We're all trying to work together… what's best for our student athletes."
Following the training, Athletic Trainers will return to their schools to review emergency action plans with coaches and staff before the fall season begins.
Annual training allows Athletic Trainers, physicians, coaches, and emergency responders to refresh critical skills, review protocols, and practice working together before the busiest sports season begins.
Emergency preparedness training commonly includes cardiac arrest, exertional heat illness, spinal injuries, fractures, equipment removal, and other life-threatening situations that require coordinated responses.
Facilities, personnel, communication methods, and emergency equipment can change from year to year. Reviewing Emergency Action Plans helps ensure everyone understands their responsibilities before an emergency occurs.
Practicing together helps Athletic Trainers, EMS personnel, physicians, and coaches understand each other's roles, improving communication and reducing response times during real emergencies.
Healthy Roster helps Athletic Trainers stay prepared every day with mobile-first injury documentation, secure communication, digital emergency information, and integrated concussion management. Whether on the sideline, in the athletic training room, or coordinating care with physicians and parents, Healthy Roster gives Athletic Trainers the tools they need to provide timely, organized care throughout the season.