Medical Emergency Action Plan

Comprehensive Guidelines for Responding to Medical Emergencies

Redditch Rugby Club being a section of Redditch, Cricket, Hockey and Rugby Football Club has a Medical Emergency Action Plan (MEAP) outlined here.

This plan outlines key procedures to ensure prompt, coordinated and efficient responses to a potential medical emergency.

Introduction

Medical emergencies can occur suddenly and without warning, ranging from minor incidents to life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest, severe allergic reactions, traumatic injuries, or sudden illness. The first few minutes are often critical, and having a clear action plan can make the difference between life and death.

 

Objectives of a Medical Emergency Action Plan

• To protect the health and safety of all individuals within the club.
• To provide clarity of roles and responsibilities during emergencies.
• To ensure immediate and effective response to medical situations.
• To facilitate seamless communication and coordination with emergency medical services (EMS).
• To minimise confusion, delay, and risk during critical incidents.

Key Components of the Action Plan

1. Risk Assessment

• Rugby is inherently a sport with an element of risk and from time to time injuries do occur
• Each match day or training session must have a first aider present
• Not having one per team available is a risk that must be recognised as having potential consequences

2. Emergency Response Team

In the event of a medical emergency  a number of roles must be taken up and allocated to ensure the smooth handling of the emergency.

• Team Leader: Oversees the response, makes decisions, and communicates with EMS.
• First Aid Responders: Administer first aid and basic life support.
• Call Handler: Contacts emergency services and provides updates.
• Safety Coordinator: Manages crowd control and secures the area.
• Documentation Officer: Records incident details for follow-up and reporting.

3. Initial Assessment

We need to assess the severity of the situation very quickly. This will normally be done by the trained first aider.

Cases which require an immediate 999 call include:

• Cardiac arrest (unconsciousness, no breathing or pulse)
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe bleeding
• Anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, swelling)
• Stroke (facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty)
• Seizures/fitting/convulsions
• Choking (including swallowing of tongue)
• High pain
• Fractures
• Suspected neck or spinal damage

If in doubt always call 999 or 112 and let the ambulance call handler make the decision on the best course of action.

Ambulance call handlers need three important pieces of information:

1. Where would you like the ambulance to come to?
2. What telephone number are you calling from (in case you are cut off and they need to call you back).
3. What is wrong with the patient?

The call handler may despatch an ambulance, advise you to transport the patient to A & E or the Minor Injuries Clinic, or advise you on provision of immediate first aid.

If the trained first aider is busy with the patient request another adult (team manager, team coach, parent or spectator) to make the emergency call.

Any individual who exhibits any of the signs or symptoms of concussion should be immediately and permanently removed safely from the field of play and should not return to play that day. It is recommended that they are assessed by an appropriate onsite Healthcare Professional or by accessing the NHS by calling 111 within 24 hours of the injury.

Ambulance Procedure

All ambulance entry is via the entry to Redditch Cricket Hockey and Rugby Football Club off Bromsgrove Redditch, just on the town centre side of Willow Way. The post code is B97 4SP

As soon as the call handler despatches an ambulance. A member must take charge of meeting and guiding of the ambulance. They must ensure no cars are blocking the route to the fields directly in front of the clubhouse. They must ensure that the ambulance access gate is open.

They need, then, to go to the top of the drive ready to meet the ambulance. They should stay there ready to direct the ambulance to the correct field.

The ambulance driver may not be familiar with the area so may need to be flagged down as they roar past. They should give their mobile number in case the driver gets lost or needs to contact us.

Hospital Procedure

If advised by the ambulance call handler, it may be necessary to transport the casualty to either A & E or the Minor Injuries Unit.

The Alexandra Hospital, A & E, Woodrow Drive Redditch, B98 7UB

The Princess of Wales Community Hospital, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0BB (open 12:00 – 20:00 weekends).

 

Emergency Contact Information

Clearly post and regularly update emergency contact numbers in visible locations throughout the premises. Include:

• Emergency medical services (ambulance, fire, police)
• Nearest hospital or urgent care centre
• Internal contacts (e.g. team leader, first aiders)
• Poison control centre (if relevant)

4. Equipment and Supplies

Ensure first aid kits and emergency medical supplies are accessible, clearly labelled, and regularly checked for expiry or damage. Equipment may include:

• First aid kits (bandages, antiseptics, gloves, etc.)
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Oxygen supply (if appropriate)
• Resuscitation masks or bag-valve masks
• Emergency blankets
• Epi pens or other prescribed medication for known allergies

5. Incident Recognition and Response Protocols

For each identified emergency, establish clear response protocols:

• Assess the scene: Ensure safety before approaching the casualty.
• Alert the response team: Use designated alarms or communication systems.
• Call for help: Assign a person to contact emergency services immediately, providing details of the situation, the location, and the number of affected individuals.
• Provide first aid: Begin first aid care as trained, such as CPR for cardiac arrest, applying pressure for bleeding, or using an Epi pen for allergic reactions.
• Monitor and support: Continue care until professional help arrives. Offer reassurance and comfort to the casualty and bystanders.

6. Communication Plan

Establish a streamlined communication system for use during emergencies.

• Use clear, concise language over radios or intercoms.
• Designate a spokesperson to liaise with EMS, families, and media if necessary.
• Ensure all staff and volunteers know the location of phones, two-way radios, or other communication devices.
• Use of ProActive is recommended for recording of serious injuries and concussion protocols.

7. Evacuation and Accessibility

Some medical emergencies may require relocating the casualty or evacuating an area.

• Identify accessible routes and exits for stretchers, wheelchairs, or injured persons.
• Ensure elevators, ramps, or other accessibility features are maintained and easy to use.
• Assign personnel to guide emergency services from the entrance to the casualty location.

8. Training and Drills

Regular training ensures all staff and volunteers are confident in their roles.

• Provide certified first aid and CPR training for designated responders.