Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

During an away game, what documentation should be presented to EMS for an athlete with a possible rib fracture?

1. Current medical record

2. Insurance card copy

3. Parental consent form

4. Release of medical information form

The correct answer is: Parental consent form

In the context of an athlete with a possible rib fracture during an away game, the most appropriate documentation to present to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) would involve ensuring that they can provide immediate and necessary care. While a parental consent form is important in many medical situations, in emergencies, the focus is primarily on the athlete's medical condition and history rather than consent itself. The current medical record provides critical information about the athlete's health history and any pre-existing conditions that could affect treatment. An insurance card copy helps with billing and insurance verification, and a release of medical information form is essential for obtaining and sharing medical data with healthcare providers. However, in the acute setting of a potential rib fracture, EMS typically prioritizes access to immediate medical information about the injury over administrative paperwork. Therefore, when dealing with an emergency, the current medical record would be most useful to EMS, as it will include vital information regarding the athlete’s medical history and any previous injuries or conditions that may be relevant to their current situation. This ensures that EMS can make informed decisions quickly, which is crucial in a time-sensitive environment.