Effectiveness of the emergency response course in improving student physical therapists' and licensed physical therapists' decision-making related to acute sports injuries and medical conditions.

Purpose: To analyze the effectiveness of the American Red Cross Emergency Response Course (ARC ERC) in improving decision-making skills of physical therapists (PTs) and third semester clinical doctorate student physical therapists (SPTs) when assessing acute sports injuries and medical conditions.

Methods: An existing questionnaire was modified, with permission from the original authors of the instrument. The questionnaire was administered to PTs and SPTs before the start of and immediately after the completion of 5 different ARC ERCs.

Management of acute sports injuries and medical conditions by physical therapists: assessment via case scenarios.

Purpose/background: Some physical therapists (PTs) provide services at sporting events, but there are limited studies investigating whether PTs are properly prepared to provide such services. The purpose of this study was to assess acute sports injury and medical condition management decision-making skills of PTs.

Methods: A Web-based survey presented 17 case scenarios related to acute medical conditions and sport injuries.