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Performance Optimal Health Emergency Action Plan

Performance Optimal Health has written and emergency plan which should be followed in the event of a medical emergency, all coach should be familiar with this document and their role and responsibility in an emergency. Any questions should be directed to appointed Athletic Trainer by Performance Optimal Health. 

An emergency is the need for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to give further medical attention and/or transport an athlete to the hospital. It is important in these situations that coordination between the athletic trainer, coaches, administrators and student responders be effective. This guide is intended to delineate roles and outline the protocol to be followed should an emergency occur. Situations when 911 should be called are:

• An athlete is not breathing
• An athlete has lost consciousness
• It is suspected that an athlete may have a neck or back injury
• An athlete has an open fracture (bone has punctured through the skin)
• Severe heat exhaustion or suspected heat stroke
• Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped

The highest person in the chain of command who is present at a scene will be the designated person in charge, or leader. That person is responsible for deciding whether or not to call 911, instructing others how they may be of help and will be the person who stays with the athlete until EMS arrives.

Once it has been decided that EMS should be called, the following protocol should be followed:

EMS PROTOCOL

• When you call EMS, provide your name and title or position, current address, telephone number, number of individuals injured, condition of injured, first aid treatment already administered,

specific directions, and other information as requested.

Chain of Command

• Team Physician
• Certified Athletic Trainer, Emergency First Responder or Sports Physical Therapist 
• School Resource Officer
• Athletic Director
• Administrator
• Head Coach
• Assistant Coach
• Sports Medicine Student Assistant
• Other Athletes

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

1. The highest person on the chain of command will be deemed the leader, and will stay with the athlete to monitor the athlete’s condition and administer necessary first aid. If possible, someone else on the chain of command should also stay and assist. The front office or an administrator should be notified that there is an emergency situation on campus.
2. The highest person on the chain of command will make the call to EMS or will designate another person to make the call. (911 from a cell phone or pay phone. EMS should be told what the emergency is, the condition of the athlete and how to get to where the athlete is. Also, tell EMS that someone will meet them at the closest intersection to aid in directing the ambulance. DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL EMS HANGS UP FIRST.
3. Phones at Water Tower Fields 1&2 are located: with athletic trainer/physical therapist.
4. The leader will send runners to all intersections between where the athlete is located and entrance to New Caanan High School to direct the ambulance to the athlete. The runners should stay in their positions and wave the ambulance through the proper turns to get to the athlete. 
5. The leader will designate another person to attempt contact with the athlete’s parents. Emergency contact information can be found in folder with trainer on site. If a parent is not present, the form should accompany the athlete to the hospital.
6. If transport is deemed necessary by EMS, the athlete will be taken to Stamford Hospital or Norwalk Hospital, unless the parent requests otherwise.

Venue is located at: Water Tower Fields 1&2 11 Farm Rd, New Canaan, CT 06840

The closest intersection to the venue is Farm Rd and South Ave.

Pertinent landmarks include: Lapham Center, New Caanan High School

Location of AED’s

1. POH Assigned Athletic Trainer will have one at all times

2. New Caanan High School

3. Lapham Center

*Coaches should take note of the closest AED to their practice and game locations.

VENUE ADDRESS:

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

Athletic Trainer/Sports Therapist/First Responder: (C) 914-610-8375

EMS: 911 or 9-911 if calling from a school phone

LIGHTNING PROTOCOL: 

• Use the Flash-to-Bang count to determine when to go to safety. By the time the flash-to-bang count approaches thirty seconds all individuals should be already inside a safe structure. 
• Identify safe locations from lightning hazards in advance of events, such as a building or fully enclosed space (or car). 
• Unsafe locations include shelters, picnic tables or bus stops, which are partially open to the elements. Towers or trees can also be targets for lighting. Know how long it will take to get to the safe venues and plan accordingly.
• Allow time for evacuation of the premises and suspend activities until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or sound of thunder.
• Locations to be use: New Caanan High School, Lapham Center

EXERTIONAL HEAT ILLNESS PROTOCOL:

• Wet Globe Temperature greater than 28 degrees, all activity should be suspended
• Moderate and High risk days - athletes should have rest breaks with adequate hydration every 20-30 minutes

Heat Syncope

• If an athlete experiences a brief episode of fainting associated with dizziness, tunnel vision, pale or sweaty skin, and a decreased pulse rate but has a normal rectal temperature (for exercise, 36C to 40C [97F to 104F]), then heat syncope is most likely the cause.19
• Move the athlete to a shaded area, monitor vital signs, elevate the legs above the level of the head, and rehydrate

Heat Exhaustion

• If the athlete’s temperature is elevated, remove his or her excess clothing to increase the evaporative surface and to facilitate cooling.
• Cool the athlete with fans, ice towels, or ice bags because these may help the athlete with a temperature of more than 38.8C (102F) to feel better faster. 
• Remove the athlete to a cool or shaded environment if possible. 
• Start fluid replacement.
• Transfer care to a physician if intravenous fluids are needed or if recovery is not rapid and uneventful

Heat Stroke

• Rectal temperature is elevated (generally higher than 40C [104F]) Assess cognitive function, which is markedly altered in exertional heat stroke. Activate EMS
• Lower the body-core temperature as quickly as possible. The fastest way to decrease body temperature is to remove clothes and equipment and immerse the body (trunk and extremities) into a pool or tub of cold water (approximately 1C to 15C [35F to 59F])
• Monitor the temperature during the cooling therapy and recovery (every 5 to 10 minutes). Once the athlete’s rectal temperature reaches approximately 38.3C to 38.9C (101F to 102F), he or she should be removed from the pool or tub to avoid overcooling

CONCUSSION PROTOCOL: 

• SCAT5 OR Standard Assessment of Concussion & Motor Control Assessment
• Hold athlete out of competition if suspicious of concussion
• Observe athlete for 15-30 minutes following injury observe for any worsening of symptoms.

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