TOTAPS - injury diagnosis

TOTAPS is a process for injury diagnosis that can be used with relative safety for the sideline management of a sprain to the neck or back, or for head injuries or athletes that are unconscious. In these cases First Aids ABC is th If at any stage injury is detected,

dont proceed to the next level and commence

Talk to the athlete:

- find out about the pain - sharp, dull, aching, throbbing - how the injury occurred - cause and mechanism - site of injury - deformity - abnormal sounds - grating, snap, pop, compare with other injuries

Observe:

- mental state - consciousness - position of the body - size - position - shape - colour - athlete's pupils and facial expression

Touch:

- feel - lumps, depression, swelling, heat, points of tenderness - skin - soft tissues - bones

Active Movement:

- Functional tests - for muscles and joints

- Ask to athlete to move their limb. Can they move through a full range. - Is there pain through part or all of the range - Assess their willingness to move

Passive Movement:

- Gently put the joint or part through a normal range of movement - Move the limb for them. Watch for reactions to pain - Check for instability

Skill Test:

- If none of these produce pain, then test the athlete to ensure he/she may return to play.

At this point consider:

- Transport

- Medical advice - Physical comfort, safety - Reduce shock - Psychologically support the athlete

DO NOT RUSH- examine and assess each injury separately

When to refer to a doctor:

- Doubt - Loss of consciousness - Head injury - Chest/abdominal - Fracture or dislocation - Neck or back pain - Laceration

Diagnosis:

- For the doctor, however the trainer may need to converse with the doctor to discuss:- history - signs - symptoms