sample emergency action plan for high school athletics

Athletic Venue Emergency Response Protocol

Document Control

• Document ID: EAP-ATH-[__________]
• Version: [__________]
• Effective Date: [__________]
• Review Cycle: Annual (Prior to [__________] season)

1. Purpose & Scope

This protocol establishes the standardized response framework for medical emergencies occurring during [School Name] athletic events. It applies to all coaches, athletic trainers, and staff operating at [Venue/Facility Name]. The goal is to minimize morbidity and mortality through rapid, coordinated intervention.

2. Prerequisites

• Communication: Functioning mobile device or landline with [__________] emergency dispatch access.
• Equipment: Fully stocked AED, trauma bag, and splinting materials located at [__________].
• Access: Unlocked perimeter gates for EMS ingress at [__________].
• Documentation: Current physicals and emergency contact forms for all athletes stored in [__________].

3. Roles & Responsibilities (RACI)

4. Step-by-Step Procedure

Phase I: Initial Assessment & Activation

• Assess scene safety; do not approach if environment is hazardous.
• Determine responsiveness of athlete.
• Designate a specific individual to call 911: "You, call 911, state our location as [__________], and report a [Type of Injury]."
• Designate a second individual to retrieve the AED and trauma kit.

Phase II: On-Site Intervention

• Initiate CPR/AED protocol if patient is pulseless and non-breathing.
• Control severe hemorrhage using direct pressure or tourniquet if trained.
• Stabilize cervical spine if head/neck injury is suspected.
• Monitor vitals until professional medical personnel arrive.

Phase III: EMS Integration & Transport

• Direct EMS to the specific gate: [__________].
• Provide EMS with athlete’s medical history, current medications, and the event timeline.
• Ensure a parent/guardian has been contacted via [__________].
• Assign a staff member to accompany the athlete if a guardian is not present.

Phase IV: Post-Incident Documentation

• Complete the [__________] Incident Report Form within 24 hours.
• Conduct a debriefing session with involved staff by [__________].
• Review EAP efficacy and update contact lists as required.

5. Quality Assurance, Pro-Tips, and Pitfalls

• QA: Conduct a "walk-through" drill every [__________] months to ensure gates are unlocked and equipment is functional.
• Pro-Tip: Pre-program the local EMS dispatch number into the [__________] mobile device rather than relying on general 911 routing.
• Common Pitfall: Failing to assign specific tasks leads to "bystander effect." Always use direct eye contact and point to individuals when assigning roles.

6. FAQs

Q: Who is authorized to activate this protocol? A: Any staff member, coach, or athletic trainer who witnesses a medical emergency is authorized to initiate the activation sequence.

Q: Where is the master list of athlete emergency contacts located? A: The digital repository is located at [] and the physical hard-copy binder is kept at [].