Spinal injuries, no laughing matter for football players

by Anthony Campeau - Sierra Star Sports

—Sierra Star/Anthony Campeau

New Yosemite High School athletic trainer Julie Leslie demonstrates on Michael Graves, how to hold the head of an injured player.

Everyday, high school athletes run the risk of being injured. Whether it be on the court or out on the field. But thanks to the efforts of Tony McLean, a physical therapist at Oakhurst Physical Therapy and other members of his staff, spinal injuries may not be preventable, but they can be treated better and more efficiently.

On Tuesday, July 16, staff members of Oakhurst Physical Therapy along with various emergency medical personnel gathered to take part in what Mr. McLean called a in-service clinic to help deal with spinal injuries, especially in dealing with football players.

Head football coach Aaron Eames and basketball coach Kevin Shaw were also in attendance.

“The coaches take an extreme interest in their kids and I think that is great,” Mr. McLean said.

Mr. McLean organized the clinic but athletic trainer Laurie Thompson ran the workshop.

“She (Thompson) was the best person to oversee the workshop. She has the most experience,” said Mr. McLean. Ms. Thompson has been the athletic trainer at Yosemite High School for the past seven years.

“We want to provide education and awareness for treating spinal injuries,” said Mr. McLean. “I think the clinic went very well.”

As it was explained at the spinal injury workshop, the guidelines for dealing with spinal injuries are not football specific, but football players sustain a relatively higher incidence of spine injuries than other types of athletics. The sport of football has unique complications due to the presence of protective equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads which help to stabilize the neck.

Yosemite High School football players Becher Marr and Michael Graves were used as examples, with full pads on, it was demonstrated how to treat a players on the field with a possible neck injury.

“Their gear is very specific for their sport. It is very important to make sure it is handled properly. The most important part is the proper care of the athlete,” remarked Mr. McLean.

Becher was first. He laid face down on the ground as Emergency Medical Technicians and the school’s new athletic trainer, Julie Leslie, worked to get him mobilized with the least amount of movement as possible.

Becher was placed on a backboard and tied down to prevent any possible movement of his spine. Ms. Thompson also demonstrated on how to cut off the face mask of a football helmet to get to the athlete’s face.

All in all, Mr. McLean thought the workshop was a great success and hopes to have more in the future.

“I think it’s a good thing to work with the medical personnel in the area so everybody can get on the same page,” said Mr. McLean. I thought the clinic was a great success.”