Shauna Cook
The Corsair
The Pensacola State College Training Center started a sports injury hotline two months ago for Pensacola State College students, faculty, staff, and the community.
“It’s a 24/7 hotline,” said Deb Lee, head trainer of the Training Center.
The hotline has three licensed trainers: Deb Lee, Melissa McShan, and Lacey Toth, who rotate and have the phone on them at all times.
“Once you call to inquire about your injury, a licensed trainer will call you back within 24 hours if not answered right away,” Lee said.
When you call the hotline and describe what exactly is going on, the licensed trainers can tell you what you need to do or if you need to see a physician. They may also ask you to come into the training center and let them see you to determine what needs to be done.
“It’s like triaging,” Lee said.
The Training Center has two licensed physicians on hand; Dr. Richard Sellers, Orthopedics and Dr. Lanway Ling, Family Physician. If you’re in need of a physician and don’t have one or it’s hard to get in with yours, you can call the hotline and they will set you up for an appointment with theirs.
“It expedites everything without having to go to the Emergency Room,” Lee said. “These services provide coverage not just for athletes, but for the community.”
The Training Center has been in partnership with the College for 20 years. It’s “Select Therapy” for the community and each campus has a clinic close by, according to Lee.
“We are trying to get the word out there so people will know this is really a great service,” Lee said. “Anyone can call, anytime, any day, 24/7.”