The Elm

Wes Robinson, PT ATC, Terps head football athletic trainer, joined this year's legislative session as Gov. Larry Hogan signed into law The Elijah Gorham Act. Named after the Mervo student-athlete who passed away in the fall of 2021, this new law requires all Maryland public middle and high schools to develop venue-specific emergency action plans for athletic injuries.

As part of the efforts to protect student-athletes, all athletic events will require an automated external defibrillator (AED) that is readily accessible. In addition, cold water immersion must be available at all practices and games to mitigate the risk of heat stroke. As a final safety measure, all coaching staff members will be trained on the use of the equipment and rehearse the emergency action plans prior to the season.

The Elijah Gorham Act is a multipronged approach that is expected to have a tremendous impact on student-athlete safety and to prevent athletic tragedies.