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WASHINGTON athletic trainer gives students valuable experience

Students interested in getting into the sports medicine field can take a unique hands-on sports medicine class at Auburn’s public high schools.

Teacher and certified athletic trainer Steve Calhoun created the sports medicine curriculum nearly 30 years ago.

In a classroom at Auburn Mountainview High School, students learn about anatomy and injury. They also learn in a sports medicine clinic where students get hands-on training and experience treating classmates’ sports-related injuries.

“We deal with almost everything, a wide variety. We see every injury anyone would see in any sport. Any situation, whether it be college or pro, we have just as many injuries in high school and they’re just as severe,” said Calhoun.

On a typical day, there’s a line out the door with 40-to-50 student athletes needing treatment. As part of the course, students help treat peers suffering from sports related strains, sprains even broken bones, and concussions. A student trainer is at every practice and game. They’re all certified in CPR and using defibrillators.

The sports medicine program is also a huge benefit for athletes. They have access to a clinic on campus. There’s a cardio section and hydro-therapy tubs. There’s also a full-time trainer here and students helping athletes with their recovery and making sure they don’t re-injure themselves.

“Kids have come here and they’re surprised at how big the sports medical thing is and other schools don’t have that and I’m lucky to be able to come in here whenever I’m hurt,” said Callie Bartlett, a track and field runner.

Many of Calhoun’s students go off to college and study sports medicine. A number of his graduates are teachers teaching sports medicine class at high schools throughout King County.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
http://www.king5.com/story/news/local/2015/09/11/unique-sports-medicine-class–auburn-high-schools/72063446/