Mercer Health Athletic Training Director Discusses Heat Safety and Concussion Awareness

Mercer Health Director of Athletic Training Tiffany Ruschilling is reminding athletes, parents and coaches to take precautions during periods of hot weather.

Ruschilling discussed heat illness, concussions and the role of athletic trainers during an appearance on WCSM’s Spectrum. She was joined by Coldwater graduate and Ball State University athletic training student Katie Noonan.

Ruschilling said athletic trainers monitor the temperature, humidity and wind conditions before practices and games. When needed, they may recommend additional water breaks, reduced equipment or less strenuous practices.

She said hydration should begin before an athlete arrives at practice and continue throughout the activity and afterward. Electrolyte replacement may also be needed for athletes who sweat heavily.

Athletes with certain medical conditions, along with larger athletes and those wearing protective equipment, may face an increased risk of heat-related illness. Ruschilling said students should drink water throughout the school day, even if they spend most of that time indoors.

Heat exhaustion may cause weakness, dizziness, heavy sweating or nausea. Ruschilling said anyone showing symptoms should be moved to a cooler location and rehydrated. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

The discussion also focused on concussion awareness. Ruschilling said symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, nausea and sensitivity to light or sound.

Athletes recovering from a concussion should successfully return to a full school day before resuming sports activities. Recovery times vary, and younger athletes may require additional time.

Ruschilling said helmets are important for people riding bicycles, motorcycles, mopeds and electric bicycles because they can help reduce the risk of serious head and skull injuries.

Noonan, a former Coldwater soccer player, said her experiences with sports injuries introduced her to athletic training. She is completing her final year in Ball State’s athletic training program and plans to take her certification examination in the spring.

Noonan said athletic trainers help athletes with both the physical and mental aspects of an injury while supporting them throughout treatment and rehabilitation.

Athletic trainers also provide injury prevention, emergency care, medical referrals and rehabilitation services while helping athletes safely return to competition.