An emergency medical plan should include an established set of actions to follow in the event of amedical emergency during a youth sports practice or game.
The plan should identify:
- Who will provide emergency first aid, including using an automatic external defibrillator (AED) in the event a player or spectator goes into cardiac arrest, such as from a blow to the chest causing commotio cordis.
- Who and how paramedics or Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be called, with specific directions to give to EMS to where the game or practice is being held.
- Who will monitor non-injured members of the team during an emergency
- How parents and a player's family physician will be notified in the event of an emergency
The plan should also make sure that:
- Emergency medical devices are available, including:
- Coaches/team moms/athletic trainers are familiar with appropriate community resources, and have a fully functional telephone (mobile or cellular) available, pre-programed with emergency medical care access numbers.
- Emergency phone numbers and a list of medical conditions for each player are readily available at all practices and games.
- Emergency numbers at which players parent(s) or guardians can be reached in case of emergency
- Medical release/treatment authorization forms for every player.
Practice makes perfect
Programs should practice emergency plans early in the season and repeat often throughout the season.
<Updated November 17, 2011
