Summer a Busy Time for LPST’s Ed Earnest

Ed Earnest has a full plate during the summer months.

In addition to his work as a certified athletic trainer at Longview Physical & Sports Therapy, Earnest has been involved with the Cowlitz Black Bears, Cowlitz Pro Rodeo, and coursework that will enhance his professional credentials.

Ed Earnest of Longview Physical & Sports Therapy

Earnest is in his second year as the Black Bears’ athletic trainer. His duties include injury evaluations, treatments in the clinic, and referrals to internal medicine or orthopedics.

“We had a bad collision the first week when the center and left fielders collided,” Earnest said. “The left fielder suffered a shoulder separation and was out for about 10 weeks. The center fielder was transported to the hospital. They discovered he had a fracture in the thoracic vertebrae that required a back brace.”

This is the sixth year Ed has volunteered to provide athletic training coverage at the Cowlitz Pro Rodeo. He coordinates with EMTs and physicians on site and assists with stretching and minor triage.

But sometimes the work turns serious.

“Three years ago, a bull rider got stepped on,” Earnest said. “I followed him out of the arena and Dr. Eric Hansen (Longview Orthopedic Associates) saw him and recommended that he go to the hospital. The guy refused because he had no insurance, but the EMTs offered him a free ride so that he could get checked out. He ended up having surgery for a fractured liver.”

Ed is also taking online classes through Whatcom Community College to earn Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) certification.

Longview Physical & Sports Therapy is located at Pacific Surgical Institute.