Sports Emergency Preparedness for Equestrian Competitions

BOC Domains of Athletic Training: Domain III - Critical Incident Management Presentation Description: This session focuses on the critical aspects of sports emergency care specific to equestrian events. Attendees will gain insights into the essential emergency care equipment required, the development and implementation of venue-specific Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and the management of common and catastrophic injuries in equestrian sports. Through a rapid-fire discussion, participants will explore unique challenges and strategies for effective emergency response in this specialized field. Learning Objectives: Identify essential emergency care equipment specific to equestrian events and understand the protocols for ensuring its availability and readiness during competitions. Identify components of venue-specific Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for equestrian sports, addressing unique challenges and environmental considerations Identify strategies for managing typical rider injuries and preparing for potential catastrophic injuries, including effective on-field management and communication protocols with equestrian staff and medical teams. Clinical Practice Gap Statement: Equestrian sports present unique challenges for emergency medical care that are not commonly encountered in other athletic settings. Many athletic trainers and emergency care providers lack specific training and experience in managing emergencies in equestrian environments. This gap in knowledge and preparedness can lead to inadequate emergency response, potentially compromising the safety and well-being of athletes. Addressing these gaps through targeted education and training is essential to improve emergency care outcomes in equestrian sports. Clinical Bottom Line Statement: Improving emergency care in equestrian sports requires a comprehensive understanding of the specific equipment needs, effective implementation of venue-specific Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), and preparedness for managing both common and catastrophic injuries. By addressing these unique challenges and enhancing the training of emergency care providers, we can ensure better safety and outcomes for athletes participating in equestrian events.

  Karen Straub Stanton is a 1998 graduate of the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science and her NATA BOC certification.  She went on to earn her Masters of Sports Health Care from what is now known as A.T. Still University (formerly Arizona School of Health Sciences). While in Arizona, she earned the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification and completed her training as an EMT-Basic. She completed her doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Auburn University in May 2019  with her final dissertation, “Financial Management of Medical Care Expenses of Student-Athletes in Institutions of Higher Education” Since she began her career in sports medicine more than 20 years ago, she has practiced at high schools, clinical outreach / special events, as a AT educator, and various divisions and sports within the collegiate setting.  In 2004, she was named Alabama Athletic Trainers’ Association (ALATA) Collegiate Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2004,  ALATA Award of Merit in 2011 and then again in 2014 for her service to the profession of athletic training and the athletes they advocate for.  Karen was inducted into  the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 2020.

Action Medicine Consultants, LLC (BOC AP#: P12095) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of 0.50 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program. GENERAL DISCLAIMER: It is the responsibility of the participant, relying on the independent expertise and knowledge of the patient, to determine the best treatment and method of application for the patient. Participants must use discretion when using the information contained within this presentation.  The presenter has provided the following regarding disclaimers: The information and content provided in this course are for informational purposes only. The presenter nor Action Medicine Consultants, LLC bears no liability for your use of this information and content. The views expressed in this course are those of the presenter(s). CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all presenters must disclose any financial or other associations with the manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services, or commercial supporters as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or product(s) under investigational use.  This presentation does not involve the unlabeled use of a product or product under investigational use.  During the presentation, the presenter provides disclosure of any relevant financial relationships or other associations.  Refund Policy:  Live (virtual or in-person) Courses - Full refunds (Minus 10% for handling fees) are given after completion of the course if cancellation request is received 14 days prior to the course date. No refunds will be given after this deadline, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course. This also applies to virtual courses if a technical issue occurred on the presenter side that prevented a full presentation from being performed. On-Demand Courses - No refunds will be given, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course if there is a technical issue in Action Medicine Consultant's delivery of the course and in which no certificate of completion was issued.