TeleAT

Travel Recap

For those who missed our latest podcast on Travel, you can listen to it here or here’s the recap of what was discussed:

Ever wish you could trade your skill in athletic training for something you’ve always wanted to do? Maybe, travel the world?

The focus of this podcast was on travel available to ATs who independently contract themselves to organization for travel specifically.

Opportunities are abound for ATs to travel with teams:

  • Experience with USA Olympic level athletics
  • Capacity to work with Paralympic athletics
  • Ability to see the world on someone else’s dime
  • Experience unique sporting events
  • Develop cultural competency

In any situation we are about to embark on, preparation is key, with travel being no exclusion. Here are some important aspects to consider to prepare for travel:

  • Understanding the political & socioeconomic status of where you’re going
  • Educating yourself on the historical impact the U.S. may have had on the country you are traveling to and developing general cultural awareness
  • Learning the language of the country you are traveling to, even if just a few common phrases.
  • Taking probiotics to prepare your gut for the introduction of new foods.
  • Being sure to have cash on hand in case your cards are declined at first.

Prior to leaving on a trip, ensuring you have reviewed medical histories of your athletes is important. Try to grasp what issues you may be dealing with prior to packing your kit and leaving the country. If possible, speak with parents or physicians about necessary medical needs and determine what supplies will be necessary on your behalf.

Taking a look at the climate you are going to is helpful as well. Knowing the environmental factors the athletes will be competing in can help prepare you for what you may need (i.e. hot temps require more electrolytes). Regarding supplies, the recommend is to take a little bit of everything as opposed to a lot of a few things. Invariably, while you’re on the road, you will need the item you least suspected.

Last items to consider before leaving are paperwork. Is there a consent to treat, do you have parent’s permission (if you’re traveling with minors), are there copies of insurance cards, do you have emergency contact information. Also think about how you will document treatments and injuries, including concussions. Don’t rely on having internet service to deliver a SCAT3, take printed versions. Be sure to look where the closest medical facilities are prior to your departure, this may pay dividends once you arrive in the country!

Once you arrive at your location:

  • Introduce yourself to the tournament director – ask for what resources are provided, seek out additional information as needed
  • Identify resources in the hotel (ice machine, microwave, sharps container, biohazard area)
  • Gather room list of athletes and determine how transportation will be arranged in event of emergency (bus driver, etc)
  • Try to get a lay of the land; determine environmental conditions, social conditions, or language barriers.
  • Establish a rapport with athletes, coaches, other medical providers, event organizers, and other personnel.

Most importantly while you are traveling don’t forget to take care of YOURSELF! 

  • Set treatment time so that you are not working around the clock
  • Immerse yourself in the experience, try not to shy away from cultural opportunities
  • As time permits, try to be a tourist and see what the country has to offer
  • Remember that you are always a representative of your country/ team/ organization
  • Most importantly, control the controllables. Let go of what is not within your control.

Upon returning from a trip:

  • Be sure to deliver home care instructions for any injuries that occurred
  • Provide any follow up with parents for injuries to minors or with adult athletes
  • Submit injury documentation & treatment logs to the organization
  • Reflect on your experience to determine how to better yourself:
    • what different supplies would you bring?
    • how would you prepare differently?
    • what did you do well that needs to be repeated?

 

Here’s a few tips & tricks we’ve learned along the way:

  • If possible, book your own flight and use a credit card that gives you points/ miles. If the organization books it for you, be sure to apply your frequent flier number for credit.
  • Keep a photocopy of your passport in your luggage. In the event your passport gets lost, you will need a copy to prove your citizenship.
  • It’s also a good idea to keep a photocopy of your passport with someone back home. They could always go to an embassy in the U.S. to assist you if needed.
  • Inform your bank of travel dates and information. This helps prevent any stoppages on your cards.
  • If possible, purchase travel health insurance for yourself. Some organizations will do this for all their athletes and may include you, just be sure to ask. This is helpful if you get hurt or sick where your American insurance is not accepted.

Lastly, here are some ways you can get involved with teams & organizations for travel:

  • It helps to have a flexible work schedule that allows you to take trips up to 2 weeks long.
  • Having a passport is a must and is recommended prior to reaching out to teams for travel opportunities.
  • You can get involved with a U.S. National Governing Body (sport team) and see what needs they have for a traveling AT.
  • You can also apply to volunteer through the USOC
  • Contact local organizations that you’d like to get involved with for volunteer opportunities
  • Most importantly, being able to represent yourself professionally and from a business perspective will go far

Please feel free to send us your questions or comments on any of our social medias, facebook, twitter, and instagram or use #QandAT.

 

 

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