ATC CORNER EMERGENCY PLAN: DO YOU HAVE ONE?

ATC CORNER
Emergency Plan: Do You Have One?

The world of athletics is full of situations, such as games, practices, and travel, that require a plan. Many coaches are judged on their ability to have a plan for every situation that they face on the field. However, is there a plan in case of a medical emergency?

Here are the steps that you can take to develop an emergency plan for any athletic situation. Simply answer the following questions to outline your emergency plan.

What is the address of your practices and of your home competitions?

Even if your community has a 911 provider, you still need to give the dispatcher your street address. If you are inside a large complex (such as a school or recreation center) describe exactly where you are so that the emergency medical services (EMS) unit can locate you quickly when it arrives.

Have your athletes completed their medical emergency cards?

The emergency card should include all personal, medical insurance, allergy, and emergency contact information.

Do you have a system to take the emergency cards with you to practice and competitions?

Place the cards in a small notebook or index card box that you can easily maintain and transport.

If an emergency develops, where is the nearest telephone?

Cellular telephones have become the standard. Pay telephones are unreliable and never seem to be close to the emergency. Be sure that you always have a cellular telephone with you at practices and games.

Does the community have a 911 provider? Does your cellular telephone dial directly to the local 911 provider?

If the community does not have a 911 provider, obtain the direct number of the EMS unit that serves your area. Post the number on your cellular telephone.
If the community has a 911 provider, be sure that your cellular telephone can reach it when you call. Do not wait until the emergency occurs. Call the 911 provider and explain that you are developing an emergency plan for your sport and need to ensure that you can reach the provider with your cellular telephone. If the telephone does not reach the 911 provider, obtain the provider's direct number and call directly. Post the direct number on your cellular telephone.

Do you have an emergency protocol?

If you do not have an emergency protocol, follow the steps in this example to develop one.

Step 1.	Call 911.
Step 2.	"My name is Bruce Getz. I need an ambulance."
Step 3.	Wait for the dispatcher to connect you with the EMS unit.
Step 4.	To the dispatcher, state "My name is Bruce Getz. I am at The Hughston Clinic, 6262 Veterans Parkway, and I need an ambulance."
Step 5.	"I have a football athlete with a possible broken leg."
Step 6.	DO NOT HANG UP. Be sure the dispatcher has all information needed.
Step 7.	"I am calling from 706/555-5555."
Step 8.	Hang up only after the dispatcher instructs you that he or she has all the information needed.
Step 9.	Send a responsible person to the road to meet the EMS unit and direct it to the site of the injured athlete.

Type your step-by-step emergency protocol on a card then laminate it. Place the card in your first aid kit for quick reference. In an emergency, even the most seasoned veteran may panic. Using this card will ensure that you follow all of the necessary steps.

Another aspect of the emergency plan is to plan the route for the ambulance to arrive at your practice or competition site. Is there vehicular access for the ambulance? Can the ambulance enter through a gate? Is that gate locked? Do you have the key? Think of your situation and plan the ambulance route to the side of your injured athlete. Do not let a locked gate or lack of planning cost the precious seconds that can mean the difference between life and death. For further assistance with an emergency plan, contact your local EMS provider. The provider will gladly assist you in the development of a plan that will make his or her job much easier in the event that you call.

Bruce Getz, ATC
Columbus, Georgia