Brunswick High School

Athletic Training Room Location

Brunswick High School has two athletic training rooms (ATR). One ATR is located in the gym, across from the weight room. This office is generally utilized after football season ends until basketball season is over (Winter Sports). The second ATR is located in the rear of the field house. The field house ATR is staffed the rest of the year (Spring, Summer, and Fall).

Any injury sustained while playing sports during practice or games must be reported to the athletic trainer as soon as possible. Often, the athletic trainer can save time and the student athlete may experience a quicker recovery because of early intervention. Even letting a minor injury continue without intervention can cause a much longer recovery and rehabilitation compared to getting it treated when it first occurs. Being on the scene and letting the athletic trainer evaluate a new injury can give a much clearer picture of the nature and severity of injury before swelling and pain sets in.

The athletic trainer will evaluate the injury, and based upon the evaluation, determine the most appropriate course of care for the athlete. Treatment is based upon the athletic trainer’s experience, established protocols and standing orders furnished by our team physicians and/or attending physician. In most cases, injuries are minor in nature, and the athlete can be successfully treated in the athletic training room.

If the injury is more extensive or requires further medical evaluation by a physician, the athlete’s parent/guardian will be contacted by the athletic trainer and provided with information about the injury. The athletic trainer can recommend a physician or help with appointments to speed up the process. 

Anytime you take your child to a physician for an athletic injury, we ask that you obtain in writing the doctor’s instructions for treatment and return to play guidelines for us to appropriately (and legally) treat your child.

YOUR CHILD MAY NOT RETURN TO PLAY WITHOUT A WRITTEN RELEASE FROM THE PHYSICIAN. 

If the student athlete is at an away event when an injury first occurs, they can see the on-site athletic trainer, if available, then follow up with Brunswick High’s athletic trainer before returning to play. 

If a student athlete or a parent has any concerns about an injury sustained during athletics, CALL THE ATHLETIC TRAINER. They will give you the best information on how to move forward with the injury. It is strongly recommended that you contact the athletic trainer before taking your child to the physician, unless it is a medical emergency. Oftentimes, we can see your child faster and refer them to the correct type of physician, which can save time and money.  

We understand that athletic injuries often occur outside of traditional physician office hours. If an injury occurs in which you need after hours emergent care, the Health System has three immediate care centers with extended hours. They treat non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses and offer on-site x-rays and laboratory services. For more serious injuries, the Southeast Georgia Health System Emergency Care Center is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Click on the links below for more information and directions. 

Learn more about our Emergency Care Centers!

Learn more about our Immediate Care Centers! ​​​​​​​

Concussions in sports are extremely common, even in middle and high school. You do NOT have to lose consciousness to have a concussion. A concussion occurs when mental status changes or physical symptoms develop, usually as a result of head trauma. If, at any point, an athlete complains of concussion symptoms or shows signs that are consistent with concussion, they immediately need to stop activity, let their coach know and follow up with their athletic trainer. They should not return to play even if symptoms stop. 

  A student with a TBI may experience the following symptoms:

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Exhibits forgetfulness or confusion
• Answers questions slowly
• Moves clumsily and/or feels sluggish
• Experiences a headache or pressure in head
• Exhibits nausea or vomiting
• Develops sensitivity to light
• Loses consciousness
• Shows mood, behavior or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to or after the head injury

Best practices for managing a TBI:

• Remove the injured athlete from play IMMEDIATELY.
• Do NOT return to play even if symptoms stop.
• Ensure the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating concussions. 
• Notify the athlete's parents or guardians about the possible concussion.
• Keep athlete out of play and only allow to return once they have been fully cleared of the injury.

Concussion Management Protocol

An integral component of the Sports Medicine Team is our Athletic Training Student Aide Program. The Athletic Training Student Aide Program is a service-oriented program comprised of dedicated high school students focused on the goal to support the needs of our student-athletes and their coaches. We also have work-based learning options for those students who qualify and want to prepare for careers in the medical field while earning high school credits.

Goals of the program:

• Serve, support and meet the needs of our student-athletes and their coaches
• Be helpful, prepared and knowledgeable for any emergencies that arise
• Remain alert and vigilant during all games
• Maintain a positive and helpful attitude at all times
• Be flexible and able to process changes as they occur
• Act as a host to other teams – at home or away games

Each athletic training student aide participant has unique abilities and talents that contribute in their success. During the program, they are challenged with new experiences and exposed to vast amounts of information that form new skills that are valuable in life as well as in future careers, especially in the medical field. Working alongside the athletic trainer benefits students interested in pursuing degrees in the health care profession, such as athletic training, pre-med, physician assistant, physical therapy and nursing. 

Any student interested in athletic training or sports medicine should complete an application and submit in to Chantal Pierre, ATC.

Student Athletic Trainer Application(LINKED BELOW)