Communication Counts
This communication rule emphasizes treating the athlete as the expert on their own body.
What is speaking directly to the athlete and respecting their expertise?
This acronym is used to assess level of responsiveness.
What is AVPU?
This life-threatening condition is common in athletes with SCI at T6 or above.
What is Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD)?
This crisis is common in SCI, MS, and TBI due to autonomic dysfunction.
What is a thermoregulatory crisis?
This device drains excess fluid from the brain.
What is a shunt?
This strategy helps confirm understanding without relying on yes/no questions.
What is asking them to show, point to where it hurts, or repeat information?
This concept is critical because many disabled athletes have “normal” readings that differ from the general population.
What is understanding the athlete’s baseline vital signs?
A sudden pounding headache and sweating above the injury level suggests this condition.
What is Autonomic Dysreflexia?
This MS-specific phenomenon causes temporary vision or motor loss when overheated.
What is Uhthoff’s Phenomenon?
Projectile vomiting and downward-looking eyes suggest failure of this device.
What is shunt malfunction?
This adjustment is critical to reduce distress during first aid for athletes with sensory sensitivities.
What is minimizing sensory overload (noise, lights, multiple speakers)?
This tool is especially useful when limb movement is limited.
What is a pulse oximeter?
This visual clue is known as the “split-skin sign.”
What is flushing/sweating above the injury and pale skin below?
This skin presentation is dangerous despite the athlete appearing dry.
What is hot, dry skin without sweating?
This abdominal device controls severe spasticity.
What is a baclofen pump?
This is the correct way to assist someone using a wheelchair or mobility device.
What is asking permission and how they prefer to be assisted—never grabbing equipment?
These skin changes may indicate a medical emergency even without pain.
What are changes in skin color, temperature, moisture, or integrity?
This common trigger should be checked immediately during assessment.
What is a full bladder or kinked catheter?
Confusion with hot, dry skin during exertion most likely indicates this emergency.
What is heat illness due to impaired thermoregulation?
This complication causes sudden, violent whole-body rigidity.
What is baclofen withdrawal (pump failure)?
SCENARIO:
A Deaf athlete appears aggressive and uncooperative after an injury and does not respond to verbal instructions.
ANSWER:
Required Answer Elements
Condition
Causes
Prevention
First Aid Actions
Communication
Vital Signs / Baseline
SCENARIO:
A powerchair athlete with SCI and TBI shows seizure‑like activity and signs of autonomic dysreflexia simultaneously.
ANSWER:
Condition
Causes
Prevention
First Aid Actions
Communication
Vital Signs / Baseline
SCENARIO:
A runner reports their prosthetic feels loose and painful after prolonged activity in the heat. The limb moves inside the socket.
ANSWER:
Required Answer Elements
Condition
Causes
Prevention
First Aid Actions
Communication
Vital Signs / Baseline
The most important rule when dealing with either of these devices.
What is never attempting to manipulate or “fix” the device and calling emergency care immediately?