Sports Emergency Action Plan

An emergency action plan helps programs and facilities handle emergency situations at practices or games. All programs and facilities should develop an emergency action plan and make sure that it is put in writing. Being prepared is crucial in order to respond to unexpected emergencies.

Emergency action plan components

Facility design

• Determine where EMS personnel are to enter and exit the field or venue.
• Establish a location for rescue and emergency equipment.
• Make sure there is a working phone nearby with emergency telephone numbers posted (such as EMS, police, fire, local hospitals or health departments).

Equipment

• First aid kits should be fully stocked.
• Other recommended emergency equipment, such as an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) should be on site and easily accessible. 
• Physical and medical release forms for athletes should be easily accessible.

Internal support personnel

• Determine which support personnel are to be present at practices and games.
• Internal support personnel may include coaches, athletic trainers, athletic officials, facility administrators, management personnel, teachers, school nurse/physician, athletic director, clerical personnel and maintenance personnel.
• Internal support personnel are in a position to act as first responders in emergency situations and thus it is recommended that they receive certified training in CPR and AED use and the provision of first aid.

Plan review

It is recommended that your local external support personnel review your emergency action plan. Contacts may include EMS, police, fire, Hazmat team, hospitals, and health departments.
Practice the emergency action plan annually with athletic trainers, team and consulting physicians, athletic training students, school and institutional safety personnel, administrators, coaches, and other designated first responders.

Communication

Make sure it is clear how and when to call 911 or the local emergency number.

Provide the following information to EMS personnel:

• Name, address, telephone number of caller.
• Number and condition of athletes.
• First aid treatment initiated.
• Specific directions to field or venue. Consider including directions to every athletic facility located on the premise in the written emergency action plan.
• Any other information requested by the dispatcher.
• Make sure there is a person to contact the family or guardian of an injured athlete. 

Follow-up

Make sure first aid kits and other emergency response equipment are refilled, replaced or recharged. Complete appropriate documentation of the emergency.