EMERGENCY RESPONSE FOR THE ATHLETE
RECERTIFICATION INFORMATION and ONLINE IMMERSIVE COURSES
The ERA Recertification course is also offered to individuals certified in Acute Injury and Illness by another provider and serves as a review for the Acute Injury and Illness course. CLICK HERE to learn more and to verify your previous certification.
The recertification course can be taken in-person or virtually.
IN-PERSON
- Review the textbook used in the ERA course.
- Choose an online immersive course to study from a selection of nine topics. Scroll down to view the courses. Additional CEUs (1.25 to 2.75) will be provided for completion of the immersive course.
- Take an exam based on the chosen immersive course (requires a score of 80% to pass).
- Attend an 8-hour in-person session including discussion, lab work, and a practical exam.
VIRTUAL
- Review the textbook used in the ERA course.
- Pick an online immersive course to study from a selection of nine topics. Scroll to the bottom of this page to view the courses. Additional CEUs (1.25 to 2.75) will be provided for completion of the immersive course.
- Take an exam based on the chosen immersive course (requires a score of 80% to pass).
- Upload lab work for review by a Cogent Steps instructor. (After registering you will receive instructions for how to complete this step.)
- Attend a 7-hour Zoom session, including discussion and a practical exam.
7.0 CEUs for PTs* / 7.0 Cat. A CEUs for ATs / additional credit for immersive course completion
*PT credit hours may vary by state.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of the ERA recertification 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.
ONLINE IMMERSIVE COURSES
Choose one topic as part of the ERA Recertification course.
Emergency Care of the Aging Athlete
Aging individuals should not have to give up recreational and/or competitive activities. In fact, research shows there are many benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle throughout the entire age spectrum. This immersive course will focus on considerations of aging athletes with a focus on co-morbidities and special needs for sideline care.
Considerations for the MMA & Combat Sports Athlete
MMA and similar combat sports are becoming more mainstream; however, many sports providers are not familiar with the rules and differences of competition relative to more traditional sports. Also, because these sports involve striking, grappling, and ground fighting, it is imperative providers are ready to undertake the care of acute injuries.
Autonomic Dysreflexia & Boosting in Adaptive Sports Athletes
As adaptive sports become more mainstream and para athletes push to be involved in all levels of competition, it is imperative for sports care providers to understand specifics of caring for these individuals. For example, autonomic dysreflexia and boosting are areas that can create significant problems with athletes in adaptive sports.
Emergency Response for Baseball & Softball
America’s pastime sports involves all ages of athletes from youth sports to the major leagues and Olympics. Understanding the common injuries and their mechanisms of injury are key in helping to care for athletes in baseball and softball.
Disorders Associated with Heat Exposure
Exertional heat illness spans the spectrum of muscle cramps to life threatening heat stroke. Symptoms can be made worse when athletes have an underlying condition of sickle cell trait or develop rhabdomyolysis. Inexperienced athletes will often over-hydrate as a precaution for dehydration but then end up with exercise associated hyponatremia. All these conditions have serious risks associated. This module will review epidemiology, physiology, signs and symptoms, and key factors sports providers should be aware of to effectively respond to an athlete experiencing heat-related illness.
The Obstacle Course Athlete
Obstacle course races run the gamut of low to extreme risk depending on the event set-up. Sports providers need to understand the risks these athletes undertake and the care needed to keep them going..
Management of Common Upper Extremity Sport Injuries
The upper extremity is a versatile limb capable of gross and fine motor movement and susceptible to injuries from traumatic events and overuse. Understanding common injuries and their care is key to getting athletes back to full function.
Venue Equipment & Supplies and EAPS
Each sport has unique requirements for medical supplies and equipment; sometimes, having the appropriate supplies and equipment on hand can mean the difference between life and death. Understanding what is needed on the sideline is necessary to provide the best care. Emergency Action Plans, written and practiced frequently with the supplies/equipment, help to prepare the sports provider for any emergency.
Common Medications in Sports Medicine
Although the sports provider may not be credentialed to order or administer medication it is imperative they understand the most common meds used in the sports setting and understand their actions, interactions, and side effects.