RC Bell Ringers for Sept 22-26 by Danna Johnson

NO BELL RINGER

dj_lhs_v16 — 2025-09-23 15:19:43 UTC

It was MONDAY!

Bell Ringer

dj_lhs_v16 — 2025-09-23 15:27:33 UTC

A college football player collapses on the field during practice, showing clear signs of heat stroke- confusion, dizziness, and LOC. The Sports Medicine practitioner on duty dismisses the symptoms as "fatigue" and refuses to initiate any emergency tx or call 911, despite obvious distress. Instead, the practitioner instructs teammates to pour water on the athlete and "let him rest."

By the time EMS are finally contacted-over 30 minutes later- the athlete has suffered severe organ damage due to prolonged untreated heat stroke.

Explain how this is a case of gross negligence.
Did the practitioner show any regard for the athlete's safety?
What might the practitioner say or do to rationalize his decision?

Fitting Matters

dj_lhs_v16 — 2025-09-23 21:11:19 UTC

A high school football player was issued a helmet that was slightly too large for his head. During a game, he took a direct hit to the side. Because the helmet did not fit securely, it shifted on impact and failed to absorbe the full force or the collision. The player suffered a concussion and mild neck strain. Later investigation revealed that the athletic department had not properly measured athletes before issuing equipment, and the coach had noticed the loose fit but allowed the player to participate anyway. The athlete missed several weeks of school and games, and his parents raised concerns about negligence.

What injuries did the athlete sustain, and how did they impact his athletic and academic life?
Could this be considered negligence, nonfeasance, or both? Explain your reasoning.
Who might be held responsible: the coach, the athletic department, the school, or the equipment manufacturer? Why?
What legal duty of care does a school or coach have when issuing protective equipment to student-athlete?
What steps should the athletic department have taken to prevent this injury?

Distracted and unfocused

dj_lhs_v16 — 2025-09-23 21:17:30 UTC

A 45 y/o patient was undergoing physical therapy after knee surgery. During a session, the physical therapist instructed the patient to use a treadmill at a steep incline as part of strengthening exercises. The therapist left the patient unattended to work with another client. The patient began to struggle but was unable to stop the treadmill in time, fell, and re-injured the surgical knee, tearing the repaired ligament. The patient required a second surgery and extended rehabilitation. An investigation revealed that the therapist failed to follow safety protocols, which required constant supervision when patients used treadmills post surgery.

What type of rehabilitation activity was the patient performing when the injury occurred?
What new injury did the patient sustain as a result of the therapist's actions?
What safety protocol was ignored in this situation?
Could this case be considered negligence, malpractice or both? Explain.
What dut of care does a physical therapist owe to patients during rehabilitation?
How might the therapist's failure to supervise directly link to liability for the injury?

Don't take your eye off the ball

dj_lhs_v16 — 2025-09-23 21:24:21 UTC

A 9 y/o child with cerebral palsy was receiving occupational therapy to improve upper-body strength and coordination. During a session, the OT instructed the child to use weighted resistance bands. The therapist became distracted while preparing paperwork and failed to supervise closely. The child, struggling with the exercise, wrapped the resistance band incorrectly around their wrist. When the band snapped back, it caused a severe sprain and nerve irritation in the child's hand and forearm. The child experience significant pain, required medical treatment, and was unable to participate in daily school activities for several weeks. Parents alleged that the therapist had been negligent in providing safe, supervised care appropriate for the child's abilities.

What condition was the child being treated for in OT?
What duty of care does an OT owe to pediatric patients during therapy sessions?
Was the therapist's lack of supervision an example of negligence, malpractice, or both? Explain.
How might the therapist's actions (or inactions) directly contribute to liability in this case?
What steps should the therapist have taken to ensure the child's safety while using resistance equipment?

dj_lhs_v16 — 2025-09-24 16:37:43 UTC