Emergency Action Plans: The Blueprint for Safety
When we think about youth sports, we often picture cheering crowds, the thrill of competition, and the joy of physical activity. But there’s something else that should be just as important: the safety of our young athletes. That’s why the Smart Heart Sports Coalition is dedicated to promoting emergency preparedness.
One way to fulfill that mission is through an Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
The Smart Heart Sports Coalition believes every youth sports organization should have a solid Emergency Action Plan that isn’t just about checking a box – it’s about potentially saving lives.
By creating your EAP, training your team, and practicing regularly, you’re taking a huge step towards keeping our young athletes safe.
So what is an EAP and why is it so crucial for keeping kids safe on the field – and off of it?
Understanding Emergency Action Plans
Think of an EAP as a roadmap for coaches, staff, and volunteers to follow during a medical emergency during a game or practice. It’s a written document that defines what everyone should do if something goes wrong. Having a plan like this can make a tremendous difference between life and death when every second counts.
For example, imagine if a young athlete suddenly collapsed on the field. Without a plan, people might panic or not know what to do. But with an EAP, everyone has clear directions and knows their job. One person calls 911. Another starts CPR. Someone else goes to get the AED. This kind of coordinated, well-planned and quick action can save lives.
Speaking of getting AEDs, it’s essential to recognize the Access to AEDs Act, a new law created to get more of these life-saving devices into schools and sports venues.
The Access to AEDs Act recognizes how important AEDs are in emergencies, especially for young athletes who might have hidden heart conditions. So, as we design and create Emergency Action Plans, this type of legislation can hopefully ensure we have the right tools on hand when we need them most.
What Goes Into A Good Emergency Action Plan?
First, you need to decide who’s in charge during an emergency. This person will give orders and make sure everything runs smoothly. You also need to figure out how people will communicate. Will you use cell phones? Walkie-talkies? Whatever you choose, make sure it works at your venue.
Next, you need to know your emergency equipment and where it is. This includes first aid kits and AEDs. Everyone should know exactly where these things are kept. You also need clear directions to your sports facility. When an ambulance arrives, you want to ensure they can find you quickly and easily.
Again, spelling out everyone’s job in an emergency is also important. Having these roles defined ahead of time means everyone can jump into action without hesitation.
After the emergency, your plan should include steps for what to do next. This might involve writing down what happened or talking as a group about how things went to help you improve your plan for the future.
Creating an Emergency Action Plan isn’t something you do alone. It’s a team effort. Work with local emergency services, your school district, and medical experts to create a plan that covers all the bases. Once you have a plan, the next step is ensuring everyone knows it inside and out.
Training is key. All coaches, staff, and volunteers should know the plan and understand their roles. But don’t stop there. Practice your plan regularly. You can set up drills where you pretend there’s an emergency. This helps everyone stay sharp and ready to act in emergencies.
Remember to review and update your plan every year. Things change – new equipment, new staff, maybe even a new playing field. Your plan needs to change, too. And don’t forget to tell parents and athletes about your plan. When everyone knows there’s a system in place to handle emergencies, it helps everyone feel safer.
From The Plan To The Action: Making Your EAP Work In The Real World
We’ve discussed what it takes to create an Emergency Action Plan on paper. But now, let’s see how it can work in a scenario you can visualize.
A 15-year-old soccer player suddenly collapses during a game. Her heart has stopped beating.
Fortunately, her team has a well-practiced EAP.
The coach recognizes the emergency right away and tells everyone what to do.
One person calls 911 while another runs to get an AED. Someone starts CPR within seconds of our teenage soccer player collapsing. They use the AED within two minutes, which helps restart her heart.
By the time the ambulance arrives eight minutes later, our young athlete is already awake. The doctors later say that the quick action guided by the EAP is what saved the girl’s life.
This type of story illustrates why having an Emergency Action Plan is so important. It’s not just about being ready for the worst – it’s about creating a culture where safety comes first.
This lets our young athletes focus on playing the sports they love without worrying about what might go wrong.
A New Resource For Your Life-Saving Playbook
Remember, in an emergency, it’s not just the plan that saves lives – it’s the people who know how to follow it. So take the time to develop your plan, train your team and practice, practice, practice. With proper preparation, we can ensure our young athletes stay safe and healthy on and off the field.
Start creating your Emergency Action Plan today and consider investing in resources like the CoroMed School & Athletic Bundles. This fantastic resource includes an AED for your school or sports organization. But it’s not just about the equipment – you can also added in training on how to use the AED and perform CPR. It’s a complete package that can help you put your Emergency Action Plan into practice.
When it comes to the safety of our young athletes, being prepared isn’t just important – it’s everything.