Memorial Day Weekend is a hazy memory, and you’re ready to pick up some extra cash before that bachelor/bachelorette party/cousin’s wedding/weekend vacation/concert/trip you’ve been planning for months but haven’t saved for just yet. As you scroll through the app and pick a couple of gigs, here are the top 10 things you need to work per diem this summer, sourced from our favorite in-house athletic trainers who have, if there was such a thing, earned every per diem merit badge possible:

1. Snacks and H2O
   • Hopefully the tournament directors will have some grub available, but just in case, come prepared with snacks and water – trail mix, beef jerky, granola bars, and a giant double walled stainless steel water bottle are staples.  
     
     
2.   Field/Facility Address Readily Available
   • This information is always in your app, but just in case you need to activate EMS, it’s a good idea to have this written down somewhere else too. Pro tip: write the address on a luggage tag on your bag with a dry erase marker so you can reuse it for your next per diem gig. 
     
     
3.  Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat/ i.e. SUN PROTECTION
   • The sock lines may be unavoidable, but you don’t need a wicked sunburn to go with them!
     
     
4. Tarps For Taco
   • Hopefully you won’t need it, but just in case there’s a heat emergency you can rapidly cool the athlete before transporting (if there isn’t a tub available). You can download our binder-ready heat stroke station one sheet that covers the taco method by clicking here.
     
     
5. Rain Gear
   • Those summer storms are sneaky. If there’s even a remote blip on the radar, better come prepared! Stash a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho in your kit because there’s nothing worse than getting soaked unexpectedly. 
     
     
6. Camping Chair/Portable Chair
   • In case seating isn’t provided. Those games can be long and a cooler isn’t the most comfortable of options! 
     
     
7.  Weather App On Your Phone
   • As summer rolls in you need to be informed about heat and lightning!  Download a weather app to your phone so you can know what is coming your way!
     
     
8. Phone Charger/Power Bank
   • Long days are a strain on your phone battery.  Have a phone charger and/or a power bank to plug into to make sure that your phone doesn’t go dead while working.  Remember, you never know when you will need to call 911.
     
     
9. Coffeeeeeeeee! Weeeeee!
   •   Going to be working a long day? Add instant coffee packs to your medkit.  Add it to a bottle of cold water and ice and you’ve got instant sideline iced coffee.
     
     
10. The Go4 EMR
    • See an injury and need a quick way to document?  Pull up the Go4 EMR to document all of the injuries you see this summer!