Preventing all emergencies in athletics is impossible. But steps can be taken to prepare for and respond to an unexpected life-threatening condition that occurs during athletic events, including practice and competition.
Examples of such conditions may include asthma, catastrophic brain injury, cervical spine injury, diabetes, exertional heat stroke, exertional hyponatremia, exertional sickling, lightning and sudden cardiac arrest. Dealing with a condition swiftly and appropriately can be the difference between life and death.
Emergency preparedness begins with creating and implementing an emergency action plan (EAP). Your EAP should be developed in coordination with local emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, school administrators and coaches, public safety officials, and the on-site medical providers. The EAP should provide specific information for each athletic venue and include emergency communication, personnel, equipment and transportation to appropriate emergency facilities. Annual review and practice of the EAP by the on-site medical providers and local EMS, coaches and school personnel is an important step.
First responders should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. A goal of less than three to five minutes from the time of collapse to the first shock of an AED is desirable. Be sure to check all emergency equipment for adequate functioning prior to each event.
