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Do you know your Local ER Doctor?
Here in Houston we have a HUGE medical center and tons of small ER clinics and facilities. There is likely no way I could meet and know each ER Doctor in my area.
Dr. Gail Margerum is a fan of the Sports Medicine Broadcast and and reached out to share some knowledge after an episode where someone discussed a blown retina.
Dr. Gail did not know much about Athletic Trainers until she started listening to the show. Now she is ready and waiting to build relationships with ATs.
But I should know more of them and should really get to know the office manager and create and ED liaison in the event that we need to send kids there.
I have not been very good about that historically.
What can you do?
Email me some of the things you have done or are doing to build the relationship with your local medical providers.
I want to set up a schedule to where every …say Monday I am out of the school visiting local Medical facilities. There is so much good in collaborating as medical professional.
Adam Halpern of Innovate AT recently shared this article about working together:
What other resources do you need?
Dr. Gail Margerum shared a great list of resources to help an ER Doctor and Athletic Trainer be on the same page.
Free ap: MD Calc that has following useful trauma rules/guidelines: Canadian C spine rules for who might need xray
Canadian CT head rule for who needs CAT scan
Nexus C-spine rule: for who might need neck xray
Ottawa Ankle Rule: who needs ankle xray
Ottawa Knee rule: who needs knee xray
Pediatric Asthma score: who will need to go to ER for treatment
PECARN Pediatric Head injury rule: what children need head CAT scan
FP Notebook App: guideline for almost any medical conditions: wasp stings, allergic reactions, bruises, heat illness, etc.
OrthoFlow app: touch the part of body injured/fractured and it tells you how to treat it
Need More advice?
Justin Streiff send a few recommendations based on his current situation and success
1- One page paper of newest concussion laws/rules and ER does not clear concussion.
- Just refers to sports/department that handles concussions.
- Also on this is the need for a note with specific guidelines lines for the patient.
2 – Have a call in number for anytime you are sending a kid to ER.
- They add our concerns and contact information to the notes for the Dr. to see.
- Also add to return supplies to parents or hold and I will pick up.
3 – Supplies damaged/ not returned: My department billed the ER a few times and this got the message out. This is what the local ambulance service does as well.
4 – Sports medicine split a consultant with the ED. This has helped bridge the gap greatly.
5 – All athletic trainers on staff do a 3-day observation annually in the ER.
6 – We do equipment removal and spine boarding with as many residents as possible before football season as many of these residents will assist in covering local football games with the ATCs.
7- Education of PARENTS:
- what the ER is and that subsequent specialty visits may be needed.
- Also empower the parents with information and specific questions to ask the Dr.
Contact us
Tell me how you are improving or need help improving your communication and relationships with the local ERDoctor
