Emergency Preparedness
In order to help provide the safest environment for our student-athletes, coaches, and spectators; emergency protocols have been established to facilitate communication and treatment between the injured/ ill/ at risk individuals and school medical personnel. The Yorktown High School Athletics Emergency Action Plan is a thorough document that encompasses many of the areas in the panel to the left.
Examples of such conditions may include asthma, catastrophic brain injury, cervical spine injury, diabetes, exertional heat stroke, exertional hyponatremia, exertional sickling, lightning and sudden cardiac arrest. Dealing with a condition swiftly and appropriately can be the difference between life and death.
Emergency preparedness begins with creating and implementing an emergency action plan (EAP). EAPs should be developed in coordination with local emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, school administrators, coaches, public safety officials, and the on-site medical providers. The EAP should provide specific information for each athletic venue and include emergency communication, personnel, equipment and transportation to appropriate emergency facilities. Annual review and practice of the EAP by the on-site medical providers and local EMS, coaches and school personnel is an important step.
First responders should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use. A goal of less than three minutes from the time of collapse to the first shock of an AED is desirable. Be sure to check all emergency equipment for adequate functioning prior to each event.