Use of Lifesaving Medications by Athletic Trainers

Abstract:
Every day, ATs face the potential of having to manage life-threatening situations. A critical component of providing emergency care is the administration of lifesaving medications. All ATs must be prepared to administer the small collection of lifesaving medications delineated in the 2020 CAATE standards. This preparation includes knowing the indications for, contraindications to, and procedures for administering each medication. Additionally, the AT needs to understand the details of patient monitoring for each drug and use clinical judgment to determine when 911 should be activated. It also involves ensuring that policies and procedures—consistent with state laws and regulations—are established to help guide the AT in the administration of these medications   

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the emergency medications covered in the CAATE Standards
• List and describe the emergency medications used by athletic trainers
• Manage emergency situations with appropriate emergency medications

Level:
Essential

Domain(s):
Domain 3: Critical Incident Management 

CEUs:
1.0 Category A

Keywords: emergency medications, rescue medications, emergency treatment, life saving medications, Narcan, overdose, naloxone, aspirin, albuterol, nitroglycerine, oxygen, glucose, epinephrine