Emergency Action Steps:Check the scene for safety and Check the ill or injured athletes,Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number when needed, and Care for injured or ill players until EMS personnel arrive.
WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW
The first step when arriving at the scene of an emergency is to check for safety hazards and then check the injured player. Clues may be found on the ground or locker room floor that point to the problem. For example, the player may have tripped over something on the ground causing him or her to bleed. If possible, ask the injured player and bystanders to explain what happened. Once the area has been surveyed, check the injured athlete for consciousness and look for signals of life-threatening injuries, such as trouble breathing, no breathing, or signs the player's heart has stopped.
The second step is to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. The person on the scene should call 9-1-1 if the athlete shows the following signs:
If there is only one person on the scene, that person needs to shout for help or the team physician. If no one arrives, call 9-1-1 before caring for the injured player. The person should call EMS before caring for the injured player because he or she needs advanced medical support more than attention immediately.
The third step is to care for the injured player. If the injured player is not breathing, begin rescue breathing. If the injured player's heart has stopped, begin CPR. In some cases, the player may need first aid. The player must give consent before first aid is performed. To obtain permission, the person must identify himself or herself and discuss the emergency training he or she has. When the player is a minor, the person must receive consent from the parent or guardian of the player before giving first aid. For example, if a player is cut and bleeding, ask that person if he or she wants first aid. However, consent is implied if a parent or guardian is not present and the condition is life threatening. Permission is also implied if the player is unconscious or unable to respond. Coaches should have an Emergency Care Permission Form (page 15) for each player that gives the coach permission to provide care in an emergency.
Coaches should learn how to respond to emergencies, including life-threatening conditions. Contact your local American Red Cross to enroll in a first aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator course.
Using the three emergency action steps, players and coaches have a strategy to tackle emergency situations. The steps keep players and coaches calm in an emergency situation and able to help an injured player. They also allow those included to gather information about the incident to help EMS personnel treat the injured player.
MORE READING
American National Red Cross. (2002). Taking action: Emergency action steps. Community first aid and safety.San Bruno, California: StayWell.
American National Red Cross and United States Olympic Committee. (1997). Emergency action steps. Sport safety training handbook. San Bruno, California: StayWell.
The evaluation of any athlete, whether as a part of health evaluations prior to activity or as a diagnosis of an injury as the consequence of sports activities, is specific to that individual and the history and current state of the individual presented. Advice, diagnosis and treatment is individualized according to numerous factors, including patient health and age information, medical history and symptoms. All athletes should be cleared by a physician or other appropriate medical professional before engaging in physical activities and, after injury, diagnosis and treatment, for return to play.