A Seamless Approach
CRH fully pays the salaries of eight licensed and certified athletic trainers at the following locations:
- 2 full-time athletic trainers at Columbus East High School
- 2 full-time athletic trainers at Columbus North High School
- 1 full-time athletic trainer at Hauser Jr./Sr. High School
- 2 full-time athletic trainers at IUC
- 1 part-time athletic trainer at Columbus Christian School
The program, led by fellowship-trained sports medicine physician Timothy Von Fange, MD, provides emergency medical management and initial assessments of injuries or medical conditions, as well as the establishment of a plan of care that may include coordinating visits with a sports medicine or orthopedic physician and guiding the athlete through injury rehabilitation.
“We created what we considered a seamless approach to all aspects of prevention, injury and recovery,” said Todd Hostetler, Columbus Regional Health Wellness manager.
That seamless approach includes risk reduction, injury recognition, evaluation, management, rehabilitation and reconditioning to get athletes back in the game as quickly and as safely as possible.
“Our exceptional athletic trainers are the first responders for our area athletes,” Hostetler said. “Whether delivering emergency care or therapeutic exercises for the athletes, the athletic trainers’ top priority is the safety and well-being of the student athletes.”
In-game management is the work that fans and families see most, but it’s only part of an athletic trainers’ duties. Trainers work with athletes on injury rehabilitation and preventive care, and collaborate with coaching staff to determine whether an athlete is ready to return to competition following an injury.
They also provide updates on the progress and condition of athletes through an app that allows them to communicate with parents and coaches.
“Our trainers do so much more than people realize,” Hostettler said. “They are making a difference in the lives of athletes both on and off of the playing field.”