title: Emergency preparedness: things to consider before the game starts.
abstract: Emergency preparedness for athletic events is essential. A written emergency plan should include a list of the members of the medical team; the responsibilities of each person on the team; and the means of communication between those persons, including the emergency medical technicians covering athletic events, the staff at the hospital to which injured athletes will be transported, and the members of the athletic department. Prior to any competition, the medical person in charge should be certain all needed response equipment is available, assess the safety of the playing field and the players' protective equipment, and ensure that adequate fluids are available for consumption during the competition. In addition, the medical cards of each athlete should be reviewed; weather reports should be checked for inclement weather; and the availability of a working phone should be verified. Being prepared, before practice or competition begins, ensures that prompt appropriate care will be provided for injured or ill athletes.
authors.forename: Letha Yurko
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Griffin
mesh_terms: D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004630:Emergencies; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000379:methods*; D013177:Sports