Emergency Action Plans (EAP) in Athletic Training

NATA EAP Position Statement

Institutions must develop a written, venue-specific EAP for all sponsored athletic activities.

Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

A written document that facilitates and organizes actions during emergencies of all kinds.

Key Components of EAP

Optimizing patient outcomes, development, implementation, and response.

Lay Responders in EAP

Coaching staff, administrators, teachers, and athletes who must be included in the EAP.

EAP Coordinator

Individual who conducts risk analysis, facilitates communication, and ensures EAP completeness and rehearsal.

Radius of Care

The distance and availability of healthcare access, AEDs, and EMS response times.

Core Written EAP Elements

Venue, location, personnel, communication mechanism, equipment, and first responder roles.

Emergency Protocol vs. EAP

Protocols establish correct conduct for specific trauma; EAPs organize overall emergency actions.

EAP Review Frequency

Distributed and reviewed at least annually.

EAP Storage Requirement

Must be in writing, kept in the workplace, and available for review.

EAP Rehearsal Coordination

Developed and coordinated by the EAP coordinator involving all healthcare team members.

Pre-Event "Time Out"

Meeting to ensure stakeholders know activation procedures and emergency equipment locations.

Daily Readiness Check Components

Review EAP, survey equipment, clear EMS access points, and identify available personnel.

Essential EAP Equipment

Spine board, CPR/airway tools, AED, splints, communication devices, and first aid tools.

Posted EAP Communication Info

Must include the venue address and specific directions like cross streets and landmarks.

Radio Communication Rule

Use a coded system for injuries and never use student-athlete names.

First Responder Roles

Immediate care, EMS activation, emergency equipment retrieval, and directing EMS to scene.

EMS Direction Role

Open appropriate gates and designate an individual to flag down and direct EMS.

Post-Response Requirement

Comprehensive, deliberate, and complete documentation of the emergency activation.

ATs Care

NATA-led program providing crisis management and support to athletic trainers after critical incidents.