Graduate students in The University of Tulsa’s athletic training program participated in a hands-on training session with paramedics from Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA). The goal of the event was to have students learn from experts who provide emergency services every day so that they can be prepared to care for patients in emergency situations.
Portia Resnick, coordinator of athletic training clinical education and clinical assistant professor, said, “This session allowed our students and preceptors to ask about emergency scenarios and practice how to respond. It’s easier to talk about how to handle an emergency before it happens.”
EMSA paramedic supervisor, Scott Williams, reviewed how to handle an array of sports-related injuries as well as how to handle seizures, clearing an airway, using a tourniquet, how to stabilize broken bones and administer an IV.
Master of Athletic Training students Ellie Russell and Gage Murphy said it was very beneficial to rehearse these emergency procedures because most of the work they do as athletic trainers occurs in clinical settings.
“Athletic trainers don’t work in silos. They interact with a wide variety of health care providers on a daily basis,” said Robin Ploeger, Thomas E. Oxley Dean of the Oxley College of Health Sciences. “This event is just one example of interprofessional education that is a part of the MAT program. Students have many opportunities to interact with physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, physician assistants and others throughout the program. This prepares them to work with these individuals in their careers as athletic trainers.”
The event was organized by Rachel Hildebrand, TU’s director of the athletic training program and clinical assistant professor. “This session was just one of several training events that we conduct in the course of the academic year to enhance our students’ educational experiences,” she said. “This event was so successful, we will be conducting it annually.”
The athletic training program at The University of Tulsa is designed to provide structured classroom and supervised practice experience to prepare students for positions as athletic trainers. The supervised practice courses provide direct patient care opportunities for a variety of injuries and patient populations including contact and non-contact sports.
Student’s clinical opportunities include working with TU’s athletic teams, local high schools, Eastern Oklahoma Orthopedic Center and American Airlines.
Learn more about the Master of Athletic Training degree here.