March is National Athletic Trainer Month, a time to recognize the vital role athletic trainers play in keeping student-athletes safe, healthy, and performing their best.
At Compass Memorial Healthcare (CMH), it is a priority of ours to be a trusted resource and active partner in the communities we serve. A key part of that commitment is supporting local schools and the students who learn and compete within them.
Supporting Student-Athletes Everyday
To care for and support our youth, CMH provides a dedicated Athletic Trainer (AT) in each community school district within our service area. These professionals don’t just work in the schools; they are part of the community. Each AT lives within the school district, builds meaningful relationships, and collaborates closely with students, parents, coaches, school administrators, teachers, local healthcare providers, physical therapists, and the school nurse – who is also a CMH employee serving the district.
“You view yourself as part of the school. We’re there to be available for any needs the school may have, provide education to student-athletes and parents receiving our care, and be a liaison between the student-athlete and provider or physical therapist.”
Kaiden Fiebelkorn, HLV Community School District Athletic Trainer
Care During the School Day
ATs are available throughout the school day to:
- Provide rehabilitation for injured or recovering athletes
- Evaluate injuries and recommend next steps
- Support students recovering from concussions by working with teachers and administrators to navigate academic adjustments
- Educate student-athletes and their families about injuries, prevention, and recovery
“We have the support with of people with medical background at Compass Memorial Healthcare and are able to provide recommendations during our evaluations to help student-athletes and their families navigate next steps."
Ashley Dickey, English Valleys Community School District Athletic Trainer
This access to medical expertise ensures families feel confident and informed when making decisions about their child’s care.
Support Beyond the Classroom
When the school day ends, the AT’s work continues. Athletic Trainers attend all practices, where they:
- Assist with and oversee an athlete’s safe return to play during practices and games following an injury
- Wrap ankles and provide preventative care
- Deliver therapeutic and manual therapy interventions
- Respond immediately if injuries occur.
ATs are also present at both home and away sporting events. At home events, they provide emergency care not only for home and visiting athletes, but for referees and even spectators when needed. Their presence adds an essential layer of medical support to every event.
A Valuable Resource for the Entire School
Having an Athletic Trainer in each school district strengthens the entire community. ATs provide:
- Immediate medical support for students
- Education for families
- Guidance and collaboration with school staff and coaches
- Up-to-date policies and procedures that align with state protocols to ensure a safe environment for student-athletes
- Connection to larger medical services at Compass Memorial Healthcare
The expertise provided helps reduce stress for parents, coaches, and school administrators, knowing a trained medical professional is readily available. This allows coaches to focus on developing their athletes while the AT manages medical care.
At CMH, we are proud to invest in the health and safety of our communities’ youth. During National Athletic Trainer Month, we celebrate the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our Athletic Trainers, and we remain committed to supporting the schools and students who rely on them every day.
To learn more about the Athletic Trainers at CMH and School Outreach services visit the link below.
