SPARKS, Md. – Several current and former members of the USA Lacrosse Sports Science & Safety Committee were involved in a recently published study that offers consensus recommendations in the event of a suspected spine injury in lacrosse.
The paper, “Prehospital care of suspected spine-injured lacrosse athletes: a systematic search, evidence review, and consensus recommendations,” was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Among the key recommendations coming out of the study:
- Standard practice should include the availability of healthcare professionals trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED) application during all on-field lacrosse-related activities
- Standard practice should include having Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) in place, practiced, and rehearsed before hosting lacrosse-related activities.
- If an athlete goes down with a suspected spinal injury AND the athlete is not responsive AND Circulation, Airway, and Breathing (CAB) is compromised – then initiate high quality CPR and apply an AED immediately. If CAB is not compromised, then remove equipment as needed.
- If an athlete goes down with a suspected spinal injury AND the athlete is responsive, then complete a secondary assessment to determine if spinal motion restriction is needed prior to appropriate removal of equipment or if it is an isolated orthopedic issue.
- When equipment needs to be removed, a trained healthcare professional competent in emergency lacrosse helmet and shoulder pads/chest protector removal should lead the procedure, with at least one individual assisting, while minimizing spinal motion.
“USA Lacrosse has been at the forefront of health and safety related matters from commotio cordis to concussions and now on the topic of pre-hospital care in suspected spinal cord injuries,” said Dr. Jason Vescovi, USA Lacrosse VP of High Performance. “This collaboration included a wide range of clinical practitioners, emergency responders, and researchers who share a passion for this sport. The project, which was funded by our longtime partner MedStar Health, is a novel contribution to the scientific literature and demonstrates our continued commitment to the health, safety, and clinical care recommendations for lacrosse.”
Dr. Tom Bowman, a professor at the University of Lynchburg and a current member of the USA Lacrosse Sports Science & Safety Committee, and Dr. Samantha Scarneo-Miller, a professor at West Virginia University and past member of the committee, led the Spine Injury Working Group in developing these consensus recommendations.
“USA Lacrosse previously had a working group that provided suggestions for clinicians about helmet removal in the event a catastrophic injury occurred,” Bowman said. “We thought, ‘It’s great that we’re giving people suggestions, but we really need a peer-reviewed, evidence-based document — peer-reviewed is the key — with consensus recommendations.’ We’d never done that before.”
Other members of the author group with connections to USA Lacrosse included Dr. Shane Caswell (former committee member), Kellie Loehr (MedStar Health athletic trainer and USA Lacrosse liaison for National Teams medical support services), Dr. Margot Putukian (former committee chair), Mandy Merritt (former U.S. National Team athletic trainer), Dr. Jason Vescovi (USA Lacrosse VP, High Performance) and Rebecca Vozzo (current U.S. National Team trainer).
The abstract for the study is available here.
About USA Lacrosse
USA Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is a Recognized Sports Organization of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. As the governing body of men’s and women’s lacrosse in the United States, USA Lacrosse leads the U.S. National Teams Program and establishes universal standards. With more than 425,000 members across the country, USA Lacrosse unites the community of players, coaches, officials, parents, and program leaders. Working together, we inspire participation, enrich the athlete experience, and support the growth of the sport.
