emergency action plan for high school athletics

Athletic Event Medical Emergency Response Protocol

Document Control

• Document ID: EAP-[__________]
• Version: [__________]
• Effective Date: [__________]
• Review Cycle: Annual / Prior to [__________] Season

1. Purpose & Scope

This protocol establishes the standardized response framework for managing acute medical emergencies during athletic events at [School Name]. It is applicable to all coaches, athletic trainers, and staff operating at [Facility Name/Location].

2. Prerequisites

• Fully stocked Automated External Defibrillator (AED) located at [Location].
• Trauma kit containing [List required supplies, e.g., splints, gauze, PPE].
• Verified communication device (e.g., [Landline/Cell Phone Number]).
• Current list of athlete emergency contact information and medical alerts.
• Access keys for [Gate/Facility Name] to ensure EMS ingress.

3. Roles & Responsibilities (RACI)

4. Step-by-Step Procedure

Phase I: Immediate Assessment & Scene Safety

• Ensure the scene is safe for responders.
• Assess the athlete for consciousness and airway obstruction.
• Identify the primary injury or medical incident.

Phase II: Activation of Emergency Services

• Assign a specific individual to call [911 or Local Emergency Number].
• Provide the dispatcher with: [School Name], specific location ([Field/Court Name]), nature of injury, and athlete status.
• Designate a staff member to meet EMS at [Entrance/Gate Name] and guide them to the scene.

Phase III: Emergency Care Execution

• Initiate CPR/AED protocol if the athlete is unresponsive and pulseless.
• Stabilize the head and neck if a spinal injury is suspected.
• Retrieve the athlete’s medical profile from [Storage Location].
• Monitor vitals until EMS arrival.

Phase IV: Documentation & Reporting

• Complete the [Incident Report Form Name] within [Number] hours.
• Notify the [Principal/Athletic Director] of the incident.
• Debrief with the coaching staff to identify process improvements.

5. Quality Assurance & Pro-Tips

• Pro-Tip: Conduct a "walk-through" drill with all coaching staff at the beginning of each season to ensure gate keys work and AED battery levels are green.
• Common Pitfall: Failing to provide specific directions to EMS. Always designate a "runner" to wait at the main entrance; do not assume the ambulance driver knows the school layout.
• QA Check: Ensure all staff have completed [Name of Certification, e.g., CPR/AED/First Aid] training.

6. FAQs

Q: Who is authorized to contact emergency services during an event? A: Any staff member, coach, or volunteer is authorized to activate the emergency response system if they believe a life-threatening situation exists.

Q: Where should the medical emergency kit be stored? A: The kit must be stored in a climate-controlled, accessible area near the field of play, specifically [Location]. It must never be locked away in an inaccessible office during active play.