LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with acute injury and trauma management
Knowledge and Understanding, Personal Development and Entrepreneurship
2. Interpret qualitative and quantitative evidence to develop lines of argument and make sound judgements regarding the assessment and management of acute injuries.
Research skills, Communication
3. Evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to managing acute injuries and trauma within sports therapy practice, considering both evidence-based interventions and practical constraints.
Application & Problem-Solving, Reflection
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
Coursework: Based on a case study assigned to you, you will produce a written review that demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of the assigned injury’s mechanisms, presentation, assessment, and evidence-based management approaches.
Within this module, students will complete formative assessment tasks designed to support the development of professional knowledge and skills. These tasks will be structured to enable students to demonstrate their developing ability to meet the competencies required by the relevant Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB), while receiving feedback that supports progression towards the summative assessments and professional standards expected within the discipline.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module introduces you to the principles and practice of managing acute injuries and trauma across a range of sporting environments. You will learn how to recognise, assess, and respond safely and effectively to a variety of injury situations, developing the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to act as a competent first responder.
Through a combination of classroom learning, practical workshops, and simulation-based scenarios, you will apply theory to practice. You will develop competence in emergency scene management, primary and secondary survey techniques, and immediate care procedures, including basic life support, wound management, and the safe handling of fractures, dislocations, and head or spinal injuries.
A key focus of the module is developing an evidence-informed approach to clinical practice. You will learn how to retrieve, interpret, and synthesise evidence, building the skills needed to identify relevant literature and apply it effectively to decision-making in acute injury care and early rehabilitation.
Throughout the module, you’ll develop professional competencies in communication, teamwork, and clinical reasoning under pressure; qualities that are essential for working effectively in multidisciplinary environments.
By the end of the module, you will understand the full pathway of acute injury management, from on-field assessment and trauma care, underpinned by the ability to use evidence to inform safe and effective practice.
WEB DESCRIPTOR
How do you respond confidently to trauma and injury?
This module equips you with the essential skills to manage acute injuries and trauma in different environments. You’ll learn to assess and respond to emergencies, apply evidence-informed care, and develop practical competencies in wound management, basic life support, and handling injuries. Through hands-on workshops and simulations, you’ll build confidence in clinical decision-making and teamwork, preparing you for roles where fast, effective injury care is critical.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
We are committed to providing an engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that develops students’ knowledge, clinical reasoning, and practical skills.
A central feature of our approach is simulation-based learning, which allows students to engage with realistic clinical scenarios in a safe and structured setting. Learning is carefully scaffolded: students begin with peer-to-peer role-play, exploring fundamental concepts, communication, and interpersonal skills; progress to case study simulations, applying evidence-based knowledge to increasingly complex injury scenarios; and ultimately integrate these skills into real-world practice within the University’s commercial clinics at Level 5 and 6. This structured progression ensures a seamless transition from theory to professional application while preparing students for graduate employability.
The module is delivered predominantly face-to-face, combining theoretical understanding with hands-on practical experience to support deeper learning and to develop practical competence. Students refine their manual and technical skills through guided practice, live demonstrations, and independent tasks, consolidating knowledge while building confidence in healthcare and sport settings.
To further support self-directed and reflective learning, students have access to our telehealth and greenscreen facilities, enabling the creation of digital learning resources for revision, skill development, and reflective practice. These activities encourage active engagement, critical thinking, and the integration of evidence-based knowledge into practical decision-making.
TEXTS
Ward, K. (Ed.). (2024). Routledge Handbook of Sports and Exercise Therapy. Taylor & Francis.
Greenhalgh, T. M., & Dijkstra, P. (2024). How to Read a Paper: the Basics of Evidence-Based Healthcare. John Wiley & Sons.
Sestak, Z. (2013). How to write a paper. G. M. Hall (Ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
RESOURCES
Industry standard teaching clinic and rehabilitation zone
State-of-the-Art Telehealth Hub