Sports-Related Emergency Preparedness in Oregon High Schools

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Emergency Preparedness
• Public Health

Background:

• Best practices for sports emergency preparedness include venue-specific emergency action plans (EAPs), early defibrillation access (AEDs), and coach training in CPR/AED use.
• Many high schools may not fully implement these critical safety recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the implementation of key sports-related emergency preparedness recommendations in high schools.
• To determine if the presence of a certified athletic trainer (AT) influences the adoption of these recommendations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to athletic directors of Oregon School Activities Association member high schools.
• Statistical analyses (chi-square, Fisher exact tests) were used to examine the association between AT availability and emergency preparedness measures.

Main Results:

• Only 11% of surveyed high schools had implemented all three emergency preparedness recommendations.
• Schools with an AT were significantly more likely to have venue-specific EAPs and AEDs available.
• AT availability showed a positive association with the number of recommendations implemented, though coach training rates were similar regardless of AT presence.

Conclusions:

• Most high schools are not fully prepared for sports-related emergencies, highlighting a gap between recommendations and practice.
• While ATs improve EAP and AED implementation, comprehensive preparedness requires addressing all recommendations, potentially through policy changes.
• Findings support the need for enhanced sports safety policies in schools to ensure athlete well-being.