Emergency situations and/or life threatening conditions may arise at any time during athletic events and quick action must be taken in order to provide the athlete with the best possible care.  Developing and implementing an emergency plan will assure that these situations are handled appropriately.

Valdosta State University has a duty to develop an emergency plan that can be implemented immediately and provide adequate health care for all sports participants.  The ONLY way to effectively respond to an emergency is to be PREPARED.  To be adequately prepared requires:  an emergency plan, proper event coverage, proper training of personnel, maintenance of appropriate medical equipment, utilization of appropriate medical personnel, adequate means of communication, and continuing education in emergency medicine for all personnel.  Despite pre-participation physical exams, adequate medical coverage, safe practice and training techniques, and preparation of the sports medicine team injuries and accidents are an inherent part of sports. 

What conditions are considered to be emergencies?

• Unconscious athlete
• Suspected C-spine injury
• Hemorrhage
• Heat Stroke
• Shock
• Absence of pulse
• Absence of breathing
• Diabetic shock or coma

What conditions require immediate medical attention?

• Fractures
• Dislocations
• Severe sprains
• Dental injuries
• Eye injuries

What is the VSU chain of command?

1. Team physician/Medical Director
2. Staff ATC
3. Graduate Assistant Athletic Trainer
4. Coach
5. Athletic Training Student

Components of an Emergency Plan

1. emergency personnel
2. emergency communication
3. emergency equipment
4. emergency transportation

VSU EMERGENCY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL:

The first responder to a VSU athletic emergency situation is usually either a athletic training student or a certified athletic trainer but could be a coach or team member.  The team physicians are not present at practices.  Certification in CPR, first aid, prevention of disease transmission, and review of the emergency plan are required for all athletics personnel associated with practices, competitions, skills instruction, and strength and conditioning. 

1. Form an emergency team (ET):  physicians, certified athletic trainers, athletic training students, coaches, EMTs, managers, and ER staff
1. the role of the ET members may depend upon the numbers of athletes on the team, the venue, the preference of the ATC
1. immediate care of the athlete:  acute emergency care should be provided by the ET member on site with the most expertise
2. equipment retrieval:  may be preformed by any ET member  who is familiar with the location of the equipment and what will be needed
3. EMS activation:  this MUST be done as soon as it is determined that an emergency or life threatening situation has occurred.  Any ET member can activate EMS; however, choose a person who stays calm under pressure and has good phone communication skills.  SEE BELOW FOR WHAT TO TELL EMS.
4. Directing EMS to the scene:  Can be performed by any ET member who has appropriate keys.

Activating EMS

Call 911, if available.  If on campus 9-911, or use the emergency channel on the radio.

What information to give?

1. name of the caller, address and phone number calling from.
2. number of athletic participants involved.
3. condition of athletic participant(s)
4. first aid treatment initiated by first responder
5. specific directions as needed to locate the emergency scene
6. other information requested by EMS

Stay on the line until the dispatcher instructs you to hang up.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:

In order to deliver emergency care a good communication system is a necessity.  Communication between members of the ET is paramount both prior to the emergency and while providing care.   Every ET member should know what his or her role is during an emergency (and you should have a designated backup for critical duties).

Securing a working telephone or other telecommunications device (radio) should be done prior to any athletic activity.  A back up communication system should be in place in the event the primary communication system is not in proper working order.  If using a cell phone especially in a rural area you should have the direct EMS number verses calling 911.  When at home utilize the radio, tune to the EMERGENCY channel, notify public safety after you have contacted EMS.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

All necessary emergency supplies and equipment must be on site and immediately accessible.  All the personnel should be familiar with the equipment and it must be in proper working order.  Rehearsal of the use of the emergency equipment should occur on a regular basis.  The emergency equipment should be appropriate to the level of training of the personnel providing care.

It is important to know how to appropriately store and care for equipment.  Equipment should be stored in a clean environmentally controlled environment. 

TRANSPORTATION

If possible, EMS should be on site especially at high risk sporting events (i.e. VSU football games).  If there is a long EMS response time to the venue this is another reason to request an ambulance to be on site.  When an ambulance is on site there should be a designated location for the ambulance and rapid access to the site should be available.
In the emergency evaluation, the primary survey assists the emergency care provider in identifying emergencies requiring critical intervention and in determining transport decisions.  In an emergency situation the athlete should be transported by ambulance where the necessary staff and equipment is available to deliver appropriate care.  Emergency providers should refrain from transporting unstable athletes in inappropriate vehicles. 

EMERGENCY INFORMATION TO PROVIDE TO VISITING TEAM

1. Introduction of self
2. Location of ATC
3. Available Emergency equipment and where located
4. Location of phones
5. Emergency signals, if used
6. Lightning policy

WHEN AWAY FROM VSU, INFO TO REQUEST

1. Introduce Self
2. Location of ATC
3. Emergency Equipment on site and its location
4. Location of Phones
5. Signal for assistance from Home AT staff
6. Lightning Policy

Instructions for VSU Coaches:

First Aid and CPR certification and training in disease transmission prevention is required by the NCAA for all personnel associated with practices, competitions, skills instruction, and strength and conditioning (Sports Medicine Handbook 2000, 13th ed.).

EMERGENCY PLAN: PE COMPLEX (basketball, volleyball, cheerleading)

Emergency personnel:  certified athletic trainer, athletic training students, and coaches on site for practices and competitions

Emergency communication:  fixed telephone line in PE Athletic Training Room 333.5477, call EMS or 911, radio communication via Emergency channel to VSU campus police after EMS has been notified

Emergency Equipment:  spineboard, vacuum splints, scoop stretcher,  accessible from PE Athletic Training Room, AED is located in the Athletic Office in the fax/copy room.

Roles of First Responders: 

1. Immediate care of injured or ill athlete
2. emergency equipment retrieval
3. Activation of EMS
1. Call 911 (or 245-5270), give the following info:  location name PE COMPLEX, address BAYTREE and SUSTELLA, telephone #, number of individuals injured, first aid treatment, specific directions TURN ONTO SUSTELLA AND INTO PE COMPLEX PARKING LOT, other directions as requested.
2. Emergency channel on radio can be used to notify VSU police. If land line phone is used call 259.5555
4. Direction of EMS to the scene
1. Designate an individual to stand at SW CORNER OF PE COMPEX TO LEAD EMS TO SW GYM DOORS
2. The NW corner of the building is where the elevator is located for access to the second floor
5. Who will travel to hospital with athlete:  AT STAFF or COACH
   1. take appropriate documentation (emergency info card)
   2. ATC
      1. ATC will notify team physician
6. Once a DX has been made the AT staff coach(es) and attending physician will determine if and when the athlete’s parents will be notified.

[VIEW PE COMPLEX MAP / DIAGRAM]

EMERGENCY PLAN: TENNIS COURTS

Emergency Personnel:  certified athletic trainer, athletic training student, coach

Emergency Communication:  Fixed phone line (payphone) in SE alcove, PE Athletic Training room phone 333.5477

Emergency equipment:  spineboard, vacuum splints, scoop stretcher,  accessible from PE Athletic Training Room, AED is located in the Athletic Office in the fax/copy room.

Roles of First Responders:

1. Immediate care of injured or ill athlete
2. Emergency equipment retrieval
3. Activation of EMS
1. Call 911 (or 245.5270), request ambulance, give the following info:  location name VSU TENNIS COURTS, address BAYTREE and AZALEA, telephone #, number of individuals injured, first aid treatment, specific directions DRIVE OVER CURB ON BAYTREE TO ENTER COURTS, other directions as requested.
2. Emergency channel on radio can be used to notify VSU police. If land line phone is used call 259.5555
4. Direction of EMS to the scene
1. Designate an individual to stand at BAYTREE and “flag down” the ambulance
5. Who will travel to hospital with athlete:  AT STAFF or COACH
   1. take appropriate documentation (emergency info card)
   2. ATC
      1. ATC will notify Drs. Team physician
6. Once a DX has been made the AT staff coach(es) and attending physician will determine if and when the athlete’s parents will be notified.

[VIEW TENNIS MAP / DIAGRAM]

EMERGENCY PLAN: BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

Emergency Personnel:  certified athletic trainer, athletic training students, coaches

Emergency Communication:  the certified athletic trainer carries a cell phone 630.8571, radio communication with Campus Police via EMERGENCY channel, fixed phone line baseball dugout and pressbox 333-3684, softball pressbox (219-1273 or 1274)

Emergency Equipment:  spineboard, vacuum splints, AED

Roles of First Responders:

1. Immediate care of injured or ill athlete
2. Emergency equipment retrieval
3. Activation of EMS
1. Call 911 (or 245.5270), request ambulance, give the following info:  location name VSU BASEBALL or SOFTBALL, address PATTERSON and BURTON STs, telephone #, number of individuals injured, first aid treatment, specific directions SEE BELOW, other directions as requested.
2. Emergency channel on radio can be used to notify VSU police. If land line phone is used call 259.5555
4. Direction of EMS to the scene: 

BASEBALL

1. Designate an individual to stand at PATTERSON and “flag down” the ambulance
2. Unlock double gate behind concession stand; direct ambulance onto field @ 1st base
3. Someone to direct fans and spectators

SOFTBALL

1. Designate an individual to stand at PATTERSON and “flag down” the ambulance, and direct them down to the field
2. Unlock gate on left field line

5. Who will travel to hospital with athlete:  AT STAFF or COACH
   1. take appropriate documentation (emergency info card)
   2. ATC
      1. ATC will notify team physician
6. Once a DX has been made the AT staff coach(es) and attending physician will determine if and when the athlete’s parents will be notified.

[VIEW BASEBALL / SOFTBALL MAP]

Venue Directions: The Billy Grant Baseball Field and the Softball Field are located at North Campus.

Baseball: Turn into drive closest to ticket gate, designated personnel will escort EMS to field.

Softball: Turn into drive closest to Regions bank, follow path down to softball field.

EMERGENCY PLAN: CLEVELAND FIELD

Emergency Personnel:  Certified athletic trainers, athletic training students, coaches, managers, team physician

Emergency Communication:

1. Hand Signal Communication to on-site ambulance
2. Radio communication to on site VSU Public Safety
3. Head ATC, cell phone 630.8562
4. Fixed telephone line in Lower Level  Press Box (245.3779 or 245.3780)

Emergency Equipment: Spineboard, vacuum splints, scoop stretcher, crutches, traction splint, AED

Role of First Responders:

1. Immediate care of the injured or ill athlete
2. Emergency equipment retrieval
3. Activation of Emergency Medical System
1. Call 911 (or 245.5270), request ambulance, give the following info:  location name CLEVELAND FIELD, address WILLIAMS AND BROOKWOOD ST,  telephone #, number of individuals injured, first aid treatment, specific directions TURN INTO DRIVEWAY OFF WILLIAMS ST BEHIND ENDZONE STANDS AND ENTER STADIUM TO THE RIGHT OF THE STANDS, other directions as requested.
2. Emergency channel on radio can be used to notify VSU police. If land line phone is used call 259.5555
3. Games: ambulance will be on site. The ambulance staff can either be given a hand signal or radio communication using the emergency channel. VSU police will be on site and can radio EMS.
4. Direction of EMS to the scene
1. Designate an individual to stand at Williams and “flag down”
5. Who will travel to hospital with athlete:  AT STAFF or COACH
   1. take appropriate documentation (emergency info card)
   2. ATC
6. Once a DX has been made the AT staff coach(es) and attending physician will determine if and when the athlete’s parents will be notified.

EMERGENCY PLAN FOR: NORTH CAMPUS FIELD (FB CAMP)

Emergency Personnel: Certified athletic trainers, athletic training students, coaches, managers

Emergency Communication:

1. Radio communication
2. ATC, cell phone 630.8562
3. Fixed telephone line in ROTC Building (Pound Hall as a back up)

Emergency Equipment: Spineboard, vacuum splints, scoop stretcher, crutches, traction splint

Role of First Responders:

1. Immediate care of the injured or ill athlete
2. Emergency equipment retrieval
3. Activation of Emergency Medical System
1. Call 911 (or 245.5270) give them:  location name NORTH CAMPUS INTRAMURAL FIELD, address N. ASHLEY AND PENDLETON DR, telephone #, number of individuals injured, first aid treatment, specific directions TURN INTO ONE WAY ENTRANCE OFF PENDLETON DRIVE THEN DRIVE TO NORTH END OF ROTC BUILDING AND ENTER FIELD THERE, other directions as requested.
2. Emergency channel on radio can be used to notify VSU police. If land line phone is used call 259.5555
4. Direction of EMS to the scene
1. Designate an individual to stand at Pendleton Dr. entrance  and “flag down”
5. Who will travel to hospital with athlete:  AT STAFF or COACH
   1. take appropriate documentation (emergency info)
   2. ATC will notify ream physician
6. Once a DX has been made the AT staff coach(es) and attending physician will determine if and when the athlete’s parents will be notified.

[VIEW NORTH CAMPUS FIELD MAP / DIAGRAM]

EMERGENCY PLAN: REAMES FIELD

Emergency Personnel: Certified athletic trainers, athletic training students, coaches, managers

Emergency Communication:

1. Radio communication
2. Head ATC, cell phone 630.8562
3. Fixed telephone line at PE complex alcove 247.9106

Emergency Equipment: Spineboard, vacuum splints, scoop stretcher, crutches, traction splint, AED

Role of First Responders:

1. Immediate care of the injured or ill athlete
2. Emergency equipment retrieval
3. Activation of Emergency Medical System
1. Call 911 (or 245.5270), give the following info:  location name REAMES FIELD, address BAYTREE AND OAK ST, telephone #, number of individuals injured, first aid treatment, specific directions TURN INTO DRIVEWAY BY COE BUILDING, other directions as requested.
2. Emergency channel on radio can be used to notify VSU police. If land line phone is used call 259.5555
4. Direction of EMS to the scene
1. Designate an individual to stand at Baytree and “flag down”
5. Who will travel to hospital with athlete:  AT STAFF or COACH
1. take appropriate documentation (emergency info)
2. ATC
   1. ATC will notify team physician
6. Once a DX has been made the AT staff coach(es) and attending physician will determine if and when the athlete’s parents will be notified.

EMERGENCY PLAN:  JESSE TUGGLE WEIGHT ROOM

Emergency Personnel:  strength and conditioning coach, during athletic training room hours – certified athletic trainer and athletic training students are directly across hallway in FB Athletic Training Room

Emergency Communication: fixed telephone in football office

Emergency Equipment: first aid kit, AED                

Roles of First Responders:

1. Immediate care of injured or ill athlete
2. Emergency equipment retrieval
3. Activation of EMS
1. Call 911 (or 245.5270), request ambulance, give the following info:  location name VSU OLD GYM, address BAYTREE and OAK, telephone #, number of individuals injured, first aid treatment, specific directions SEE BELOW, other directions as requested.
2. Emergency channel on radio can be used to notify VSU police. If land line phone is used call 259.5555
4. Direction of EMS to the scene:  Designate an individual to stand at Front entrance of OLD GYM and “flag down” the ambulance.
5. Who will travel to hospital with athlete:  AT STAFF or COACH
   1. take appropriate documentation (emergency info card)
   2. ATC
      1. ATC will notify team physician
6. Once a DX has been made the AT staff coach(es) and attending physician will determine if and when the athlete’s parents will be notified.

Venue Directions:  The old gym is located at the intersection of Oak and Baytree Sts on the west side of main campus.  The drive off Oak allows access. Turn in off Oak St, designated personnel will lead the EMS team into the building.

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