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EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR THE ATHLETE

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COURSE INFORMATION

The Emergency Response for the Athlete (ERA) course is intended for physical therapists, athletic trainers, nurses, and physicians who seek specialized training in sideline and venue emergency management of the athlete. It is only offered as an in-person course.

Core skills include primary and secondary assessment, ethics and legal review, care of the athlete through the age spectrum, athletes in adaptive sports, dermatology, medical and traumatic emergencies, and EMS operations. Additional enrichment modules include asthma, anaphylaxis, pulse oximetry, and care of the spine-injured athlete.

The ERA course is hybrid learning starting with online narrated presentations and a 70-question test; this is followed by a 2-day, in-person course at a host site. Upon successful completion of the ERA course, the participant is granted a 3-year ERA certification and continuing education credits (20 CEUs for PTs and 17.5 Cat. A CEUs for ATs).

The ERA online training module must be completed before attending the in-person course.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of the ERA course, the participant will be able to:

  • Explain how the Emergency Response System works in each participant’s particular locale.
  • Analyze the legal ramifications of specific case studies discussing athlete care.
  • Describe the state practice act as it pertains to each participant’s licensed locale.
  • Demonstrate prevention of disease transmission using appropriate precautions with venue-specific considerations.
  • Perform a primary and secondary assessment on a simulated injured athlete.
  • Demonstrate the appropriate use of emergency oxygen.
  • Demonstrate the use of a metered dose inhaler.
  • Demonstrate the use of an EpiPen for anaphylaxis.
  • Describe the chain of survival including an outline of risks for cardiac emergencies in sports.
  • Demonstrate skills in CPR and AED use.
  • Describe the various blood rules in sports as it pertains to immediate care.
  • Outline the differences in wound care supplies based on the rules and regulations of the sport.
  • Evaluate and treat open wounds with the appropriate supplies.
  • Evaluate and treat acute sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures with appropriate supplies.
  • Assess the abdomen with a focus on appropriate care of injuries.
  • Assess the thorax with a focus on appropriate care of injuries.
  • Discuss the increased incidence of eye and facial injuries in sports and explain how to treat appropriately.
  • Perform a SCAT 5 concussion evaluation.
  • Discuss how to provide immediate care for an athlete suffering from exertional heat illness.
  • Review the appropriate care of the spine-injured athlete.
  • Demonstrate spinal-restricted motion on an athlete with a suspected spine injury.


DETAILS

  • Two weeks prior to the in-person course you will receive an email outlining the location specifics.
  • The course typically runs from 8 am to 5 pm each day. On the last day, it may finish slightly earlier; this depends on the order of the practical rotations. If you have travel concerns, please inform the lead instructor ahead of time so accommodations can be coordinated.
  • On a rare occasion, a situation may arise where a course needs to be cancelled or postponed. We make every attempt to determine the necessity for cancellation at least 14 days prior to the first day of the course. We recommend purchasing refundable tickets and hotel rooms and/or travel insurance in case a cancellation or postponement must occur. Registrants are welcome to transfer between courses if a conflict arises.
  • Registration covers all online material, testing, and in-person instruction.
  • The self-paced online chapters are available for immediate use.
  • The sport-specific topics coincide with the “Description of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Sports Specialist.”
  • CPR/AED training is available as an elective and must be purchased prior to the date of the in-person course. CLICK HERE to view the purchase option.
  • The certificate of completion will be sent via email after you have completed the course and post-course survey. The certificate is valid for three years from your on-site ERA course training date.

Visit Frequently Asked Questions for answers to the most commonly received questions from students.

ATHLETIC TRAINERS

The Cogent Steps BOC Approved Provider number is P10170.

The BOC has accredited the ERA course for 17.5 hours Category A CEUs, consisting of home study (5.5 hours) and live instruction (11.5 hours).

PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Per ABPTS and the Sports Specialty Council, you must keep your Acute Management of Injury and Illness (satisfied by the ERA course completion) current during the 10 years of certification. Throughout the Maintenance of Specialty Certification cycle you will need to show proof of satisfying this requirement.

The ERA course is good for three years. To be eligible for the ERA Recertification course, you must initiate the course while your ERA certification is current. There is no grace period offered if the ERA certification lapses.

The ERA course is accredited for 20 CEUs for PTs.

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