It is the responsibility of the athletic trainer to diagnose the nature and extent of an injury to an athlete, administer prompt first aid treatment, prevent any exacerbation of the injury, and hospitalize the patient quickly if it is necessary. The importance of these responsibilities is emphasized when an athlete suffers an injury to the abdomen or thorax. Symptoms and first treatment actions are discussed for chest and abdominal injuries and traumas and also for the diagnosis and treatment of shock. (JD)