An Emergency Action Plan helps coaches develop a winning plan to save lives. Be prepared for potential emergencies.
An Emergency Action Plan is a written plan that every program and facility should have to prepare for potential emergencies. Certain types of emergencies, such as natural disasters, are more likely in some locations than in others. Emergencies, however, can occur anywhere.
In addition to injuries, emergencies can result from fire, violent winds, tornadoes, and lightning. The facility's Emergency Action Plan should address all relevant categories of emergencies. Such plans should define the responsibilities of everyone who may be involved.
It is important that each person knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Just as the team practices their plays on the field, the coaching staff should practice putting the Emergency Action Plan in motion.
| WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW |
- An Emergency Action Plan is a written plan that every program and facility should have in case of emergency.
- Emergency Action Plans should define the responsibilities of everyone who may be involved
- An Emergency Action Plan should include the layout of the building, equipment that can be used in an emergency, support personnel and staff responsibilities, communication methods, and follow-up methods.
- The coaching staff should practice the Emergency Action Plan so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.
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| SAMPLE CONTENTS OF AN EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN |
| Layout |
- EMS personnel access and entry/exit routes
- Location of rescue and first aid equipment
- Location of telephones with emergency telephone numbers posted
- Location of keys to reach telephones or equipment
- Exits and evacuation routes
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| Equipment |
- Rescue equipment
- First aid supplies
- Emergency equipment (flashlights, fire extinguishers, etc.)
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External Support
(provide telephone numbers) |
- EMS personnel
- Police
- Fire
- Hazardous materials (HazMat) team
- Poison Control Center
- Hospitals
- Power and gas companies
- Health department
- Weather bureau
|
| Communication |
- How and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number
- Chain of command
- Person to contact-parents or guardians
- Person to deal with media
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| Support Personnel Within Facility |
- Coaches
- Athletic trainers
- Athletic officials and referees
- Facility administrators
- Management personnel
- Teachers
- School nurse/physician
- Athletic Director
- Clerical personnel
- Maintenance personnel
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| External Support (provide telephone numbers) |
- EMS personnel
- Police
- Fire
- Hazardous materials (HazMat) team
- Poison Control Center
- Hospitals
- Power and gas companies
- Health department
- Weather bureau
|
| Staff Responsibilities (Assign each staff member a duty) |
- Person to provide care
- Person to control bystanders and supervise other athletes
- Person to meet EMS personnel
- Person to transport injured athlete when appropriate
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| Follow-up |
- Complete appropriate documentation (incident report, accident report, etc.)
- Replace equipment and supplies
- Emergency Action Plan evaluation
- Staff debriefing
- Critical Incident Stress debriefing (if necessary)
- Check on condition of injured athlete
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