Georgia Teaming Up To Co-Sponsor Coming Emergency Care In Sport Conference

ATHENS, Ga. --- The University of Georgia is co-sponsoring an Emergency Care in Sport (ECS) conference with the NFL, the Atlanta Falcons and Piedmont Healthcare at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital's Shaheen Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday (Feb. 15-16).

This two-day educational conference is designed to enhance emergency preparedness and response in athletics.  The ECS conference will bring together top sports medicine professionals, athletic trainers, team physicians, emergency responders and industry leaders to share best practices and innovative approaches for managing critical medical and traumatic emergencies in a variety of sports.

There are 250 participants expected for the conference, including athletic trainers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, physicians and physical therapists.  A comprehensive agenda covering emergency action planning, sudden cardiac arrest management, head and spine injuries, heat illness, airway management and orthopedic trauma will be part of the program.  The event will provide hands-on training and expert insights to enhance emergency medical care in athletic settings.

This weekend's conference will feature live emergency simulations and hands-on laboratory stations providing attendees with real-world training to improve response times and effectiveness in life-threatening situations.

The following key topics will be included:

Emergency preparation and action plans
Recognition and management of sudden cardiac arrest
Concussion evaluation and head trauma case studies
Spine injury management and immobilization techniques
Exertional heat illness treatment and prevention
Orthopedic and vascular trauma
Mental health emergency action planning

Quotes from Ron Courson, UGA Athletic Association Executive Associate Athletic Director – Athletic Health and Performance, Jim Ellis, MD, Medical Director, NFL Emergency Preparedness, and Dr. Allen Sills, NFL Chief Medical Officer below:

"The Emergency Care in Sport conference is a great resource for sports medicine professionals," said Courson.  "Though rare, emergencies in athletics demand a well-prepared and coordinated response.  Athletic trainers, EMTs and physicians must function together as a team.  By fostering collaboration and prioritizing emergency preparedness, we can ensure athletes receive the highest level of care at every level of competition."

"Preparation is the most critical factor in achieving successful outcomes during an athletic emergency," said Ellis.  "This conference provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from experienced medical professionals who have managed real-life athletic emergencies throughout their careers.  Additionally, the practical lab stations will offer attendees hands-on training with experts who have firsthand experience handling these critical situations, ensuring participants gain valuable skills and confidence in emergency response."

"The Emergency Care in Sport conference is an invaluable initiative that underscores the critical importance of preparedness and swift response in athletic emergencies," said Dr. Sills.  "By bringing together leading experts and providing hands-on training, we are equipping sports medicine professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage life-threatening situations and ensure the safety and well-being of athletes at all levels."

University of Georgia Athletics

Georgia Teaming Up To Co-Sponsor Coming Emergency Care In Sport Conference

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