Health & Safety

 

About

Elm Middle School’s interscholastic athletics program is dedicated to ensuring the health and well­-being of our student­-athletes. Our coaches work closely with health professionals and receive mandated training to prepare themselves for handling injuries and other safety issues that may arise during the course of athletic competition.

First-Aid Kits

Each head coach brings a first­-aid kit to games, both home and away. Our school nurse assembles and monitors the first-aid kits before and during each season.

Concussion Protocol Training 

All of Elm’s coaches complete the concussion protocol training required by the State of Illinois. This consists of online training sessions, culminating in an exam that each coach must pass.

Automated External Defibrillator Training

Our coaches are also required to go through automated external defibrillator (AED) training. An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can stop an irregular heart rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest. A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and AED staff training video required by the state is available here.

Recognition of Injury Symptoms

The Cougar coaching staff is trained to recognize symptoms of injuries, including concussions. They are not doctors, though, which means they will recommend that a student­-athlete see a physician in case of a serious injury, especially a concussion.

Working with the School Nurse

Elm coaches work in conjunction with our school nurse to support students who may be injured at practice or in games.

To Learn More

For additional resources about the treatment and prevention of sports injuries, see the comprehensive Sports Medicine section of the Illinois High School Association’s website.