LSU & Southern University brought together medical professionals to improve health care for athletes at second annual Emergency Care Course honoring Devon Gales

courseAttendees gained necessary skills to save an athlete’s life in an emergency

07/21/17

On Saturday, July 8, 2017, 200 health care providers, including athletic trainers, emergency physicians, sports medicine professionals, and emergency medical technicians gathered at the LSU Tiger Stadium for “Emergency Preparation for Athletics Course,” co-hosted by Southern University and LSU.

This intensive eight-hour hands-on and lecture medical education course brought together medical professionals from around the country to work on collaborative solutions in handling serious sports injuries with the overall goal to sharpen their skills for prehospital care. Attendees of the course refreshed their best practices for management of athletic emergencies, practiced scenario-based athletic emergency techniques, and developed interdisciplinary health care teams to provide on-field emergency care.  

Scott Arceneaux, athletic trainer and teacher at St. Amant High School, received the Courson Cares Award for his efforts in maintaining a high quality of care for athletes, mental and physical well-being, after the Great Louisiana Flood of 2016.

University of Georgia Athletic Trainer Ron Courson received the Gales Quality of Life Award for his dedicated service and outstanding contributions to improving the quality of life through health and safety efforts for student athletes.

LSU alumnus, orthopedic surgeon, and sports medicine specialist Dr. James Andrews delivered the keynote address on legal and medical challenges in sports medicine.

The Emergency Care Course was developed in response to Southern University football player Devon Gales’ cervical spine injury. Gales suffered a spinal injury during a game in early fall 2015 at the University of Georgia.

callThis event was made possible by:

  • LCTA Workers' Comp
  • A-G Insurance Administrators
  • Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC)
  • Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic
  • Baton Rouge General Medical Center
  • Z-Medica
  • FDL Group, LLC
  • Louisiana National Guard
  • LSU Athletic Department/Tiger Athletic Foundation
  • Southern University Athletic Department
  • Louisiana Athletic Trainers' Association
  • Henry Schein, Inc (Athletics & Schools Division)
  • North American Rescue
  • Ochsner Health System
  • Chick-fil-A
  • Tracy and Deidre Leaver-Dunn
  • Scotti Vermaelen

About the GALES Course

The collaboration between the athletic medical staffs of LSU and Southern University share a goal to provide programming that will further the education and training of health care providers thus improving the health and safety of athletes at all levels of participation.  This free full-day medical continuing education course is made possible by generous contributions from individuals and organizations.  Funds generated from this course support the continued recovery efforts for Devon Gales, Southern University football player who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in 2015. 

Athletic Training at LSU

The Athletic Training program at LSU is a limited admissions program designed to prepare students for a successful career as a highly qualified health care professional. LSU’s Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE). Graduates from the program establish successful careers as athletic trainers in secondary schools, colleges and universities, professional sports programs, sports medicine clinics, physician clinics, and other athletic health care settings

Learn more about the program at lsu.edu/athletictraining

 About SOK

The LSU School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS, Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College of Human Sciences & Education.

Visit the School of Kinesiology at lsu.edu/chse/kinesiology

About CHSE

The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Library & Information Science, the School of Social Work, and the University Laboratory School. These combined schools offer 8 undergraduate degree programs, 18 graduate programs, and 7 online graduate degree programs, enrolling more than 2,020 undergraduate and 879 graduate students. The College is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and is committed to improving quality of life across the lifespan.

Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education at lsu.edu/chse

 

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