Every year, more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and over receive medical treatment for sport-related injuries including falls, collisions, concussions, heat illness and overexertion, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And more than 775,000 are treated in emergency rooms, reports the American College of Sports Medicine.

What can be done to reduce the incidence of such accidents and to ensure that injured children receive medical attention? According to the California Athletic Trainers’ Association, Qualified Athletic Trainers Can Reduce Number of Serious Injuries and Keep Young Athletes Safe.

“Immediate care given to young athletes by a qualified athletic trainer can reduce the severity of their injuries,” says Chino Hills High School Athletic Director Mike West. “As physical medicine specialists, a properly certified athletic trainer can offer a range of services, including injury prevention, immediate evaluation and treatment, and rehabilitation, to reduce the risk of serious injuries.”

West, who is also a certified athletic trainer and member of the California Athletic Trainers’ Association (CATA), believes the need for a qualified athletic trainer and comprehensive healthcare program in high schools and club-level sports is imperative because sports participation among boys and girls has increased more than 37 percent in the past 20 years, according to the National Federation of High Schools. Read the rest of this post.

[TriathlonTrialLawyer Doug Landau shown with experienced Hotchkiss School Athletic Trainer Pat Kelly at the sidelines of recent Bearcat soccer matches.]