Secondary School Student Aides Policies and Procedures

This document has been approved by the Executive Board of the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society and is intended to be a firm statement as to how these students can be used. If you have any questions about its content, please contact the President at

Secondary School Student Aides Description and Guidelines

The role of the secondary school Athletic Training Student Aide (SA) is to recognize an emergency situation, to perform the necessary Acceptable Services and Duties, and to refrain from the Unacceptable Services and Duties.SA must be under the direct visual supervision of a licensed athletic trainer when assisting with any athletic training services. This relationship must be addressed in the Licensed Athletic Trainer’s written protocol and standard operating procedure with their directing physician.

Coaches and school administrators must not allow or expect student aides to act independently with regards to the recognition, evaluation, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries. Additionally, it is paramount that student aides not be expected, asked or permitted to make “return to play” decisions.

Acceptable Services and Duties include but are not limited to the following:

  1. Recognize an emergency situation
  2. Activate the Emergency Action Plan
  3. Apply all CPR/AED and First Aid skills allowed through their certification. Proof and maintenance from an accepted Emergency Cardiac provider, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, American Safety and Health Institute, Emergency Care and Safety institute or the National Safety Council which may include but not are limited to:
  4. Checking a conscious victim
  5. Checking an unconscious victim
  6. Use of resuscitation and bag-valve masks
  7. Rescue breathing: adult, infant, child
  8. Conscious/unconscious airway obstruction: adult, child, infant
  9. Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): adult, child, infant, two-rescuer
  10. Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
  11. Head/neck stabilization
  12. Controlling bleeding
  13. Wound care
  14. Splinting
  15. Care for sudden illness
  16. Care for heat- and cold-related emergencies
  1. Apply ice
  2. Refer the injured patient to the appropriate medical personnel i.e. attending physician(MD/DO), LAT, or Emergency Medical Services
  3. Keep written record/progress notes describing any injuries and the care given – Due to privacy issues the LAT should check with the school district administration to determine as to whether this activity is permissible.

Unacceptable Services and Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Interpreting referrals from other healthcare providers.
  2. Performing evaluations.
  3. Making decisions about treatments, procedures or activities or return to play decisions.
  4. Planning patient care.
  5. Providing athletic training services during team travel without the direct supervision of a LAT.
  6. Any duties reserved for a LAT as indicated by Pennsylvania Acts 123 and 124 (2012).

Agreement of Understanding of the Athletic Training Student Aides Policies and Procedures

STUDENT/PARENT OR GUARDIAN SECTION

I, ,have read the Athletic Training Student Aides Policies and Procedures and understand the information contained within that document. I understand my role and responsibilities as an Athletic Training Student Aide and have discussed the Athletic Training Student Aides Policies and Procedures with my Supervising Athletic Trainer. I have had all of my questions answered to my satisfaction.

Name:
SignatureDate
Name:______
Parent/Guardian Signature Date

SUPERVISING LICENSED ATHLETIC TRAINERSECTION

I, ,have read the Athletic Training Student Aides and Procedures and understand the information contained within that document. I understand the role and responsibilities of Athletic Training Student Aides and have discussed the Athletic Training Student Aides Policies and Procedures with the Athletic Training Student Aide(s) assigned to me.

Name:
SignatureDate

ATHLETIC DIRECTORSECTION

I, ,have read the Athletic Training Student Aides and Procedures and understand the information contained within that document. I understand the role and responsibilities of Athletic Training Student Aides and have discussed the Athletic Training Student Aides Policies and Procedures with the Supervising Licensed Athletic Trainer(s) and coaching staff.

Name:
SignatureDate

Revised May 2014

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