 Emergency  Defined as an unexpected serious occurrence that may cause injuries that require immediate medical attention  Time becomes a critical factor in an emergency, there is no room for indecision or error

A mistake in the initial management of an injury can prolong the time for rehab and can potentially create a life- threatening situation for the athlete

 Be properly equipped and trained for any medical crisis  Athletic injuries can occur at any time  Sports medicine team must be prepared

 Emergency plans help ensure the best care is provided  Athletic organizations must develop an emergency plan

 Should be customized to fit needs of your sports program  Should specify needs within four categories:  Emergency personnel  Emergency communication  Emergency equipment  Transportation

PERSONNEL  Should outline emergency personnel roles Generally the first responder is a member of the athletic training staff  Athletic training staff is, at a minimum, trained in CPR and first aid  All members are responsible for knowing and being able to implement the emergency action plan

PERSONNEL  Each member should be assigned specific roles  Immediate care should be done by the most qualified  Others should be assigned to locate and obtain emergency equipment  One member should be assigned to activate the emergency medical service (EMS) system

 Communication  Good working relationships ensure the best care  It may be necessary for other athletic department personnel to assist in some emergency situations  Hold practice sessions among sports medicine staff  If possible, also with EMT’s

 Staff must have access to a telephone or telecommunications device  A backup plan should be in place in case the primary communications system is inoperable  Procedure should be in place for communicating the situation to EMS providers

 All equipment that might be necessary for an emergency must be:  Readily accessible  In good working condition  Checked before each event or competition

 EMS providers and an ambulance should be on standby at any event where there is a high risk of traumatic injury  CMS has EMS at each Varsity football game  Lessens response time for EMS  Ensures injured athlete receives timely, proper care

DEFINED MEDICAL EMERGENCIES  An injury that causes a threat to life or limb 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

 Non-emergencies consist of all other injuries where life or limb is not threatened  Abrasions, minor cuts, strains, sprains, minor concussions without loss of consciousness, and contusions

 Each athlete must have an up-to-date emergency information profile on record  Nearest relative or guardian  Medical information  Hospital preference  Family doctor’s phone numbers  Parental permission to treat and transport

 Emergency preparedness is the central element of a superior sports medicine program  The emergency preparedness team consists of everyone involved in athletics  The emergency plan must be documented and agreed upon by all parties  Being properly prepared is crucial

 Primary Survey  Done immediately: determines the existence of a life-threatening injury or illness

 Secondary Survey  Gathers specific information from the athlete about the injury  Provides for a more detailed assessment  Assesses symptoms and vital signs

MUSCULOSKELETALVITAL SIGNS  HOPS  History  Observation  Palpation  Special Tests  ABC’s  Blood Pressure  Pulse  Temperature

SKIN COLORPUPILS  Flushed or Red  Heat illness  High blood pressure Bluish Airway obstruction  Pale or Ashen  Shock, Hemorrhage, Circulation problems  Yellowish  Liver dysfunction(Jaundice) Airway obstruction  PEARL  Pupils equal and reactive to light

 Unconsciousness  State of insensibility in which the athlete exhibits a lack of conscious awareness  Unconscious athlete is always considered to have a life-threatening injury, and/or head, neck or spine injury

 Guidelines  Note body position  If prone, logroll for assessment  Determine level of consciousness and responsiveness  Establish ABC’s  Monitor vitals  Guidelines for Football  Remove facemask for access to airway. DO NOT REMOVE THE HELMET