An important link between our local school districts, their student athletes and our medical staff are the Vernon Memorial Healthcare (VMH) Athletic Trainers.
VMH’s staff of three athletic trainers currently serve four schools: Kickapoo Area Schools, La Farge School District, Viroqua Area Schools and Westby Area School District. The sports VMH athletic trainers provide service to include football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, track, tennis and golf. The trainers’ duties include:
- Evaluating and treating a wide range of injuries in the high school setting
- Triaging various orthopedic injuries, heat-related illness and concussions
- Making determinations of an athlete’s ability to safely return to competition and practice after an injury
- Facilitating further care when needed in the emergency department, primary care, orthopedics, physical therapy or other medical specialties.
- Offering sports conditioning camps during the summer months to decrease injury risk and improve performance.
“When serious injuries occur, our athletic trainers are onsite to triage injuries and lead the emergency action plans,” said VMH Athletic Trainer Fean Wagner. “So far this year, I have been onsite for two compound fractures that required emergency responses. I personally view the athletic trainer as an additional layer of protection for the athlete in these situations.”