Emergency Action Plans PHED 120 Fall ‘12

What is an EAP? A plan of action that is put into place when life-threatening injuries or illness occurs Multiple reasons needed Ensure high quality of care Minimize the time needed to provide an immediate response to a life-threatening emergency Legal issues

Factors to Consider Development and implementation of an EAP The sports medicine staff and emergency team Initial patient assessment and care Emergency communication Emergency equipment and supplies Venue location(s) Emergency transportation Emergency care facilities Legal need and documentation

Components to Preparation Emergencies can occur during any activity Need: Development of an EAP Proper coverage of athletic events and practices Maintenance of emergency equipment and supplies Selection of appropriate personnel as part of the sports medicine team Continuing education of the sports medicine team

Sports Medicine Team Athletic Trainer Team Physician Coach First responder and immediate care Team Physician Coach First responder and activates EMS Athletic Training Student First responder and equipment retrieval

Four main roles Within the emergency team are as follows: Immediate care of the patient Emergency equipment retrieval (aed) Activate EMS Direction of EMS to scene of emergency Typically, the athletic trainer is in charge of this

Immediate Patient Care Check The scene to make sure it is safe to aid the patient The scene to find evidence on what happened The patient for airway, breathing, circulation, fractures, and bleeding Call 911 or the local EMS number Give proper directions and meet ambulance at scene Care Calm and reassure patient Reassess and monitor all vital signs Control any bleeding Provide CPR/AED and appropriate first aid as needed

Emergency Communication When calling 911provide: Name, address and phone number Number of patients involved in emergency Condition of patient(s) Treatment initiated by members of the emergency team Specific directions to the scene

Emergency Equipment For athletic events All emergency equipment must be on hand Football vs. golf AED Spineboard Splints Bag-valve mask Oxygen (as needed) Proper personal protection devices Gloves, etc

Emergency Transportation EAP should include a policy for transportation Most likely should be transported by ambulance High risk sports Don’t take the personal risk of bringing a critically injured patient in your own personal vehicle Lawsuits!

Emergency Care Facilities EAP needs to include hospital information Quickest hospital Trauma hospital (Albany/Pittsfield) vs. Community hospital (North Adams) Not an urgent care Patient has a right to choose as well

Legal Need and Documentation Lawsuits University of Central Florida University of Louisville High schools Too many to list! Documentation Most colleges/universities have policies in place At the higher administrative levels Need to find out what that policy is and follow it!

Before the season starts… Review EAP with: Coaches Athletic Training Students Any other support staff Managers, etc Local EMS personnel Give them a copy of EAP (enough for each station/vehicle) Post EAP Online At every venue

Examples of EAP’s MCLA Williams College Southern Vermont College Concord University Find two EAP’s on your own for next class and submit the links to them on Canvas