Athletic Trainer

Owings Mills HS Practice and Game Procedures for an Injured or Ill Student-Athlete
Your child may periodically come home after practice or a game complaining of aches or pains. This is normal as the level of competition increases throughout their development in our athletic program. Baltimore County Public Schools employs a Medically Licensed, Certified Athletic Trainer (LAT/ATC) trained to manage and treat injuries during athletic practices and competitions. 
If you have any questions about the health of your son/daughter, please contact the following:
Owings Mills Athletic Staff will always prioritize the student-athlete’s healthcare. Our number one priority is the health of the student-athlete. If it is unsafe for the student-athlete to participate or if further play could result in injury, they will not participate. We are committed to the education, care, and well-being of our students and would not willingly put them in harm’s way. We ask that parents/guardians and student-athletes adhere to these rules for the safety of all students at OMHS.
Athletic Trainers (ATs) are healthcare professionals who collaborate with physicians to optimize the activity and participation of athletes, patients, and clients across various age groups and care settings. Our role encompasses the prevention, evaluation, and intervention of emergency, acute, and chronic medical conditions involving impairment, functional limitations, and disabilities. We work under the direction of physicians and are guided by state licensure statutes.
Key Services Provided to all Owings Mills Athletes:
  1. Immediate and Emergency Care: I provide emergency care for injuries and illnesses such as concussions, cardiac arrest, spine injuries, heat stroke, diabetes, allergic reactions, and asthma attacks.
  2. General Care of Student-Athletes: This includes injury rehabilitation, injury evaluations, protective taping, practice preparation, monitoring environmental conditions (heat and humidity), consulting with physicians, checking weather conditions, and conducting concussion follow-up and return-to-play protocols.
  3. Coordination with Teachers and Administrative Staff: I work closely with the school nurse to manage concussions with the goal of "return to learn" first, ensuring students re-assimilate into the classroom environment before progressing to return-to-play protocols.
  4. Referrals and Expedited Medical Care: I have established relationships with local physicians and specialists, allowing our student-athletes to be seen quickly, often within 24 hours of an injury. This facilitates faster treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery, and provides peace of mind to coaches, parents, and athletes.
Gina Palermo is available at Owings Mills every day after school and at all athletic events. The school nurse and Ms. Palermo collaborate closely, as she serves as an after-school medical resource focused on injury prevention, evaluation, rehabilitation, and return-to-play. Please feel free to contact Gina Palermo or Nurse Molnar if your child gets hurt during practice or a game and fill out the Sports Injury Report Form HERE.