LETTERS

Athletic trainers worth the cost

Staff Writer
State Journal-Register

I have read articles suggesting that various doctors and other medical personnel need to be at athletic events because of concussions and other serious injuries.

A certified athletic trainer is the most cost-effective person at these events from what I have heard and seen. They are trained to evaluate all kinds of injuries on the field and seek the appropriate medical help. They determine if an athlete can continue playing, must sit out the game or be sent for emergency treatment.

One of my daughters is a certified athletic trainer for a company that provides trainers for high schools, colleges and professional teams in numerous sports. One of her duties is to liaison with various doctors and surgeons for treatment of the injuries suffered by athletes on the four ice hockey teams she was the trainer for this season.

This appears to be a more cost-effective way to provide the necessary screening for injuries at the site, but may need to be provided consistently at athletic events below the high school level.

Tyre W. Rees

Springfield