<aside> ⚕️ The following Sports Medicine emergency action plan is in place for the Wardlaw+Hartridge School Athletics Department.

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Table of Contents

Documentation of Review and Recent Changes

As changes to the EAP are made, please list the change, page affected and date that the change was made.

Purpose of policy:

Though emergency situations are rare, it is probable that sport-related events may have an emergent situation at some time in the year. Proactive planning through the development of an emergency action plan aids in an improved response to these catastrophic and potentially life-threatening injuries. Through careful pre-participation physical screenings, adequate medical coverage, safe practice and training techniques and other safety avenues, some potential emergencies may be averted. However, accidents and injuries are inherent with sports participation, and proper preparation on the part of the sports medicine team should enable each emergency situation to be managed appropriately and efficiently. Emergency situations may arise at any time during athletic events. Expedient action must be taken in order to provide the best possible care to the student athlete. An effective response can be hindered by chaotic actions and increased emotions of those responding to the emergency. The development of an emergency action plan can reduce stress and allow for a cohesive and desirable response to these emergent situations.

Proper preparation for any emergent event involves formulation of an emergency action plan, proper delineation of healthcare services for events, maintenance of appropriate emergency equipment and supplies, utilization of appropriate emergency medical personnel, and continuing education in the area of emergency medicine and planning. Athletic organizations have a duty to develop an emergency action plan in accordance with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and several state organizations/legislations that may be implemented immediately when necessary and provide appropriate standards of emergency care to all sports participants.

Medical Emergency Transportation

• Any emergency situation where there is a loss of consciousness, or impairment of Circulation, Airway and Breathing (CAB), a neurovascular compromise, exertional collapse or uncertainty by first responders should be considered an emergent situation and this emergency action plan should be activated.

Non-Medical Emergencies

• For the non-medical emergencies (fire, bomb threats, violent or criminal behavior, etc.) refer to the school emergency action plan and follow instructions.

Policy statement

• This policy describes the procedures, roles and actions of those members of the emergency response team for the management of any catastrophic injury occurring during athletics at The Wardlaw+Hartridge School
• This policy will be a living, working document, that is continually reviewed and updated yearly as the organization and our community changes.

Definitions

• Emergency Action Plan (EAP) – A written document outlining the steps and procedures to carry out in the event of a catastrophic injury
• Emergency Medical Service (EMS): An emergency service that provides emergency care and transportation for those in need of extended life support or suffering a limb threatening injury
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED): A life-saving device used to restore a normal sinus rhythm to a victim suffering from sudden cardiac arrest