Unconscious Athlete

• If UNCONSCIOUS, call EMS (911) and monitor vital signs (PULSE, BREATHING). Initiate CPR or artificial breathing if necessary. ALL UNCONSCIOUS ATHLETES need to be treated as if they have a Cervical Spine Injury. DO NOT MOVE THESE ATHLETES UNLESS YOU HAVE TO DO CPR.

 Conscious

• If CONSCIOUS, ask questions pertaining to the injury.
  DO NOT MOVE AN INDIVIDUAL UNTIL IT HAS BEEN DETERMINED THAT MOVING THAT INDIVIDUAL IS SAFE. In other words, find out what happened before you move ANYONE.
  
• Try to determine the mechanism of the injury. The mechanism of injury is simply how the injury occured. Ask what happened.
  
• If you suspect a head or neck injury, DO NOT MOVE THE INDIVIDUAL. You need to call EMS personnel and LET THEM MANAGE THE SITUATION.
  
• If the individual has a serious knee or ankle injury, the involved limb may need to be immobilized. Immobilized means not allowing the limb to move. It is suggested that if this is the case that you seek EMS assistance, particularly if you suspect a long bone fracture (such as the femur, the tibia, or the fibula.) If there is an open fracture, you need to seek EMS support. An open fracture is a break that pierces the skin.
  
• If you do not suspect a fracture or serious knee injury and you feel it is safe to move the individual, the individual may not be able to put any pressure on the injured part. Have a coach, bystander or a large team member assist you in safely moving the individual away from the field of play.