How to build an emergency response plan

There's no way to predict when a medical emergency is going to happen. And having an emergency response plan in place can help everyone act fast — because seconds matter when it comes to saving someone's life.

If you're not sure where to start with building your emergency response plan, here's what you need to know and how to get started.

What are emergency response plans?

Before you can build your own, you'll have to understand what an emergency response plan is. It's a thoroughly researched plan of action policy that details how every person involved should respond in the event of an emergency.

Many workplaces have an emergency response plan in place for building fires, for example. Members of a determined group have a role in making sure everyone evacuates the building safely and that their local responders are notified.

"This type of system should also be in place for sports teams at every level," says Jason Bradley, MD, director of the Sports Cardiology Program at Lankenau Heart Institute, part of Main Line Health. "Giving people specific jobs, and running through those roles regularly, can save minutes when it comes to responding to a medical emergency, such as an athlete going into sudden cardiac arrest, where the heart suddenly stops beating, on the field. This can make all the difference in saving someone's life."

How to create your own emergency response plan

Make sure that you have a copy of your emergency response plan available and up to date so that anyone can reference it at any time. This will be especially useful for new hires.

"In your plan, detail every person's role," says. Dr. Bradley. "List out the steps that need to be taken in detail, so there's no question about the responsibilities or the process in the event that an athlete collapses."

Follow these steps to get started with creating your own emergency response plan:

Immediately treat the injured athlete

The first person to be identified in this plan is an on-duty physician, certified athletic trainer or paramedic who will immediately administer emergency aid to the injured athlete. If none of the above are present, then the head coach or another designated person will assume responsibility.

Emergency aid can include CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) administration. An AED is a medical device that shocks the heart back into normal rhythm for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

"It's a good idea to identify someone who can jump into action and perform CPR and administer an AED if trained medical personable aren't available," says Dr. Bradley.

Appoint one person to call 911

This designated person will immediately call 911 or other predetermined number to call local Emergency Medical System (EMS) to care for the athlete further.

"Make sure to give your full name to the operator and identify the exact location of the incident, the nature of the incident and instruct exactly where and how an emergency vehicle can reach the injured athlete," says Dr. Bradley.

Make sure you stay on the line until the operator disconnects and return to injury scene to be available for additional assistance if needed.

Other roles in an emergency response plan

After designating who needs to stay with the injured athlete and who should call for emergency services, there are several other roles to consider designating:

• Someone to meet the vehicle at the gate entrance. This person should have all necessary keys/combinations to let the vehicle in.
• Someone to contact security, which may be needed for reasons including crowd control.
• Someone to call the injured athlete's parents/guardian to inform them of their child's injury.
• Someone who accompanies the injured athlete to the hospital and stays with them until their parents/guardian arrives.
• Someone who documents all information relating to the injury and emergency response.

The importance of AED and CPR training

Taking the time to get certified in CPR and learn how to properly use an AED can save someone's life — on the field or at a public event.

Being able to jump right into action and administer care can help you save anyone who suffers from:

• Heart attack
• Sudden cardiac arrest
• Commotio cordis

"You can get certified through the American Heart Association," says Dr. Bradley. "Search online to find a training course near you or look for virtual training opportunities."

For a small fee, you can get the training you need to help save someone suffering from a life-threatening medical emergency, regardless of whether it's a family member, an athlete or a stranger. And that is priceless.

Next steps:

Make an appointment with Jason Bradley, MD
Learn more about heart care at Main Line Health
Read about the difference between sudden cardiac arrest and a heart attack