Sports Medicine – Southern Colorado
Improving the lives of athletes by promoting and providing a culture of safe play on and off the playing surface.
Elevates the Field
- Healthy Roster electronic medical records
- SWAY Concussion Testing
- Achieved D20’s Safe Sport Award (1st in CO)
Facilitates Rapid Access
- Standardized physician sideline coverage
- Works with athletes on playing surface and in the gym
- Streamlines sports medicine access for the community
Assessment of Concussions
- Manages a 24/7 Concussion Assessment Hotline 719-444-2273
- Established protocols used at other institutions for recognition and treatment of concussions
- Sideline SWAY Concussion Testing
Educates Athletes & Adults
- Communication between athletes, parents, coaches and administrators
- Creation and distribution of Injury Prevention Newsletter
- Presentations at parent sport nights
Partnerships with Schools
- Tier 1: TCA, Sierra, Falcon, Sand Creek
- Tier 2: Thomas MacLaren, St. Mary’s, UCCS Club Sports
- Tier 3: ASD20 (exp. TCA)
- Tier 4: USA Hockey, USAFA Prep, D11 Middle Schools
Prevents Injuries
- ACL and rotator cuff programs – 50% reduction in injuries
- Medical Time-Out protocol pre-game with; coaches, referees, ATs, and physicians
- “Gold Standard” sports physicals with cardiovascular and concussion assessment at UCHealth Urgent Care locations
The need for community support
The UCHealth Sports Medicine – Exists at the pinnacle of trusted referral and community sports medicine care. The UCHealth Athletic Training program is one of many service lines competing for limited system resources. In instances where adequate support cannot be secured, athletic events may proceed without on-site athletic trainer coverage. Due to constrained school district funding, UCHealth is unable to recover the full cost of providing certified athletic trainers and necessary medical supplies or equipment to local schools. As a result, practices and competitions may take place without appropriate medical support, increasing the risk of delayed emergency response and adverse health outcomes for student-athletes. Your awareness and financial contributions are vital as we work to balance resource allocation while maintaining safe environments for youth athletics.
When Seconds Count: A Sideline Save
While providing coverage at the Western Lacrosse Shootout, a UCHealth athletic trainer responded immediately when a referee collapsed on the field. After initially experiencing a seizure, the referee lost consciousness and had no pulse. The trainer quickly initiated CPR and applied an AED within two minutes, delivering one life-saving shock. The referee’s pulse returned, and he was transported to the hospital, later making a full recovery. This swift, skilled response directly saved his life.