Chapter 5 Emergency Preparedness: Injury Game Plan
I. Emergency Preparedness
A. Certified athletic trainers must be properly equipped and trained for any medical crisis or disaster
that might arise.
B. Emergency preparedness entails an emergency action plan, proper coverage, emergency
equipment and supply maintenance, appropriate medical personnel, and continuing education.
II. The Emergency Action Plan
A. Written action plans deal with injuries in a systematic, logical manner that helps avoid missteps
and mistakes.
B. Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
1. Customized to fit the needs of the organization.
2. Should specify needs for emergency personnel should be clearly outlined.
3. Roles of emergency personnel should be clearly outlined.
4. All members of the athletic training staff are responsible for knowing and being able to
implement the emergency plan.
5. Immediate care for the injured athlete should be provided by the most qualified member of the
athletic staff present.
6. One member of the staff should be assigned to activate the emergency medical service (EMS)
system, the response system called upon in the event of a medical crisis or traumatic injury.
C. Activating EMS
1. Good working relationships between the athletic training staff and emergency medical
personnel help establish rapport and defined roles in an emergency.
2. A working telephone must be available, along with a back up plan for communication.
3. Clearly communicate to the EMS the name, address, and phone number of the caller; the
number of athletes injured; the condition of the injured; care and treatment currently being
provided; specific directions to the scene; and any other information requested by the
dispatcher.
D. Emergency equipment
1. All equipment necessary to handle emergency situations must be readily available and in
good working condition.
2. Individuals providing care to the athlete must be knowledgeable in the use and application of
the equipment.
E.Transportation
1. EMS providers and an ambulance should be on standby at any event where there is a high
risk of traumatic injury.
2. The onsite ambulance should have clear access to the site so that entering and exiting can be
done without delay.
3. Athletes with unstable injuries should never be transported in a vehicle that is not appropriately
equipped.
III. Identifying a Medical Emergency
A. Defined medical emergencies consist of breathing cessation, severe bleeding, no pulse, concussion
with loss of consciousness, neck or spinal injury, fractures, dislocations, eye injuries, severe
asthma attack, heat-related illness, or any injury causing signs of shock.
B. Nonemergencies include injuries that do not threaten life or limb, such as abrasions, minor cuts,
strains, sprains, minor concussions without the loss of consciousness, or contusions.
C. All injuries, no matter how minor, should be reported to the athletic training staff.
IV. Emergency Medical Cards
A. Each athlete must have an up-to-date emergency information profile on record.
B. Emergency medical cards should include parent/guardian contact information, medical
information that may be of use in an emergency, hospital preference, physicians’ phone numbers,
and parental permission for treatment and transportation.