Welcome to the Buccaneers Sport Medicine Program homepage!  Here at First Coast High School, we take pride in the achievements of our student-athletes both off and on the field.  This site is dedicated to offer guidance for all who have questions regarding sports medicine at First Coast.  Two questions that most often come up are: what is the purpose of an athletic trainer in the secondary school setting and what exactly is an athletic trainer? Here are those answers. 

What is an Athletic Trainer?

Athletic trainers are licensed health care providers who are highly trained in the prevention and recognition of sports-related injuries.  We are skilled in keeping kids safely competing whenever possible.  However, we recognize when kids should be sidelined due to an injury and help them navigate the health care system to receive the care that is needed.  We work together with our team physician and coaches in promoting a culture of safety in our school athletic programs.  Most importantly, we are trained and ready to respond in the event 

Why are athletic trainers needed in the high school?

Athletic trainers are needed in high schools to provide leadership for sports safety.  I educate kids, coaches, and parents on how to prevent sports-related injuries.  I want all kids to be injury-free when playing sports; but I also know that sudden cardiac arrest, exertional heat stroke, exertional sickling, and head injuries are the top 4 deadly risks of sports.  I am trained and prepared to respond to a dangerous injury or emergency event, if one occurs. 

Our Mission

Our mission is to utilize best practices to provide the most efficient health care possible.  We strive to take the latest knowledge and understanding in the medical field to deliver comprehensive care in the prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries sustained in the secondary school setting.  Our continuous collaboration with physicians, the athletic department, coaches and parents is to ensure the quickest and safest return to competition for all student athletes.