Emergency Action Plan for Athletics

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Objectives

• Identify key features of an athletic team's EAP
• Identify emergency medical services (EMS) team members and their roles in assisting injured athletes
• Be prepared for any emergency situation

EAP Contents

• Detailed information on basic principles:
  • Game and practice coverage
  • Procedure steps
  • Communication systems
  • Equipment
  • Emergency care facilities

Game and Practice Coverage

• Sports with high injury risk need comprehensive medical coverage during practices and games
• Necessary emergency equipment should be readily available
• EAPs should be developed annually, before the season begins
• EAPs must be developed for each venue
• All team response members should understand roles and regularly practice in mock emergency situations, especially considering different environments like ice and field.

Team Members

• Charge person
• Call person
• Control person

Emergency Equipment

• Possible equipment available for trained individuals:
  • Spinal board
  • Cervical collar
  • Stretcher
  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

EAP Contents (Continued)

• Nearest medical facility information:
  • Address
  • Directions
  • Phone number
  • Maintain a logical order of information

Transfer of Care - EMS

• Ambulance personnel take over care upon arrival
• Charge person relays:
  • Athlete's initial condition
  • Actions taken before ambulance arrival
  • Pertinent information (vital signs, etc.)

EMS Report Requirements

• The charge person's report to EMS must be concise, clear, and fast

Transfer of Care - Non-Urgent

• Athlete does not require an ambulance if:
  • Injury does not pose a life or limb threat
  • Athlete's vital signs are stable
  • A parent or authorized person can transport the athlete

Scope of Coverage for Athletic Trainer (AT)

• ATs are present at all practices and games
• Duties include:
  • Pre-event preparation (taping, stretching, field inspection)
  • Athlete injury response during the event
  • Post-event athlete care

Scope of Coverage for Charge Person

• The first medically trained individual at an injury scene
• Must have completed Standard First Aid and BLS training
• Duty to provide care based on training

Scope of Coverage for Paramedics/Ambulance Crew

• Most experienced responders
• Take over from the charge person
• Transport athlete for advanced medical attention

Kit Card

• A condensed version of the EAP
• Contains all necessary information for an emergency

Overprepare!

• Anticipate the worst-case scenario
• Prepare for all possible issues

This quiz focuses on the objectives and essential components of an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for athletic teams. Participants will learn about the roles of EMS team members, key features of an EAP, and preparation for emergency situations during practices and games. Understanding EAP development and implementation is crucial for ensuring athlete safety.