1 of 18

Portland High School Athletics

Emergency Action Plans 2024-25

2 of 18

Purpose

To provide coaches and athletic personnel with the information needed to react appropriately and efficiently when faced with a serious injury. All personnel need to be well versed in the protocol and procedures of dealing with an emergency.

There are 3 components of every emergency action plan: Emergency Personnel, Emergency Communication, and Emergency Equipment

3 of 18

Process

All coaches, including volunteer coaches, will review the EAP annually. Then coaches will review the EAP with their staff and student-athletes.

After every serious injury or critical incident, members of the Athletic Dept, the athletic trainer, the Director of Facilities will review protocols and all actions taken.

4 of 18

Definition of Serious Injury

Any condition whereby an athlete’s life may be in jeopardy or the athlete risks permanent impairment. These include but are not limited to: serious bleeding, fractures, head injuries, neck injuries, spinal injuries, heat stress, and cardiac arrest.

5 of 18

Emergency Personnel

The certified athletic trainer is typically the 1st responder. In their absence, the coach in charge assumes 1st responder responsibilities. Once the more qualified responders arrive (police, EMTs, fire fighters) they will take over the primary responder role.

Responsibilities: to establish scene safety and immediate care of the athlete; to activate the Emergency Medical System; to retrieve emergency equipment; to direct EMS to the scene.

6 of 18

Emergency Communication

Communication is key in obtaining appropriate care for an injury. Be aware/cognizant of different communication methods (cell phones, land lines). All team members’ emergency contact information will be kept by the coach. It will be shared/turned over to emergency medical personnel upon their arrival. If needed, the form will go to the hospital with the athlete.

7 of 18

Activating the EMS System

Call 9-1-1 giving accurate details and location. Place “spotters” to direct EMS when they arrive. Stay on the phone until they arrive.

Information to share: name, address, and phone number of caller; nature of the emergency (medical or non-medical); number of athletes; condition of athletes; 1st aid treatment initiated; specific directions needed to locate the emergency; other information requested by the dispatcher.

8 of 18

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

Athletic trainer will provide medical kits to each team with basic 1st aid supplies. The kit must be on site at every practice and game. Coaching staff need to make sure it is properly stocked. Students should not have access to the kit to ensure accurate inventory is kept. Coaches will use their Basic 1st Aid and CPR/AED training.

AEDs can be found outside each gym’s Main entrance.

9 of 18

Important School Contacts

  • Frank Cardona (Director of Athletics): 860-214-5705
  • Jen Bell (Athletic Coordinator): 860-680-7477
  • High School Main Office: 860-342-1720
  • Middle School Main Office: 860-342-1880
  • Kate Lawson (HS Principal): 860-276-3764
  • Chuck Hershon (MS Prncipal): 860-342-1880
  • David “Opy” Opuszynski (HS Nurse): 860-659-7326
  • Renee Hyland (MS Nurse): 860-836-2002

10 of 18

Other Important Numbers

  • Police/Fire Emergency: 9-1-1
  • Portland Police/Fire (Dispatch): 860-347-2541
  • Poison Control: 800-222-1222 or 800-882-9211
  • Middlesex Hospital (28 Crescent St Middletown CT 06457): 860-358-6000
  • Hunter’s/Hartford HealthCare Ambulance (594 Washington St Middletown CT 06457): 203-235-3369

11 of 18

Lightning/Severe Weather

  • AD/AT/Coach will check forecast 2 hours before game
  • Monitor weather activity throughout the contest
  • 1st sign of thunder or lightning: seek shelter!!
    • High School Fields: go into the school or into the Field House
    • Middle School Fields: go into the school or into baseball dugouts
    • Rose Hill Fields: go into dugouts or cars if available

“When thunder roars go indoors!”

12 of 18

High School Fields, Tennis Courts, & Track Plan

  • ATC/Coach will call 9-1-1 with correct address (95 High St Portland CT 06480)
  • ATC/Coach will remain with injured athlete to administer 1st Aid/CPR as needed
  • ATC/Coach will direct assigned coaches or student- athletes to go to Field House gate to direct EMS/police to location of injured athlete
  • Contact Frank Cardona if not on site
  • Present Emergency Medical Form to responding EMS personnel
  • Contact student’s family with important information
  • Complete Accident Report after incident has been resolved

13 of 18

Middle School Soccer Fields Plan

  • ATC/Coach will call 9-1-1 with correct address (93 High St Portland CT 06480)
  • ATC/Coach will remain with injured athlete to administer 1st Aid/CPR as needed
  • ATC/Coach will direct assigned coaches or student- athletes to go to Field House gate to direct EMS/police to location of injured athlete
  • Contact Frank Cardona if not on site
  • Present Emergency Medical Form to responding EMS personnel
  • Contact student’s family with important information
  • Complete Accident Report after incident has been resolved

14 of 18

High School Gymnasium Plan

  • ATC/Coach will call 9-1-1 with correct address (95 High St Portland CT 06480)
  • ATC/Coach will remain with injured athlete to administer 1st Aid/CPR as needed
  • ATC/Coach will direct assigned coaches or student- athletes to go to front entrance to direct EMS/police to location of injured athlete
  • Contact Frank Cardona if not on site
  • Present Emergency Medical Form to responding EMS personnel
  • Contact student’s family with important information
  • Complete Accident Report after incident has been resolved

15 of 18

Middle School Gymnasium Plan

  • ATC/Coach will call 9-1-1 with correct address (93 High St Portland CT 06480)
  • ATC/Coach will remain with injured athlete to administer 1st Aid/CPR as needed
  • ATC/Coach will direct assigned coaches or student- athletes to go to front entrance to direct EMS/police to location of injured athlete
  • Contact Frank Cardona if not on site
  • Present Emergency Medical Form to responding EMS personnel
  • Contact student’s family with important information
  • Complete Accident Report after incident has been resolved

16 of 18

Rose Hill Fields (MS baseball & Softball)

  • ATC/Coach will call 9-1-1 with correct address (160 Rose Hill Rd Portland CT 06480)
  • ATC/Coach will remain with injured athlete to administer 1st Aid/CPR as needed
  • ATC/Coach will direct assigned coaches or student- athletes to go to entrance to direct EMS/police to location of injured athlete
  • Contact Frank Cardona if not on site
  • Present Emergency Medical Form to responding EMS personnel
  • Contact student’s family with important information
  • Complete Accident Report after incident has been resolved

17 of 18

Portland West/Portland GC/Driving Range

  • Coach will call 9-1-1 with correct address:
    • West: 105 Gospel Lane
    • GC: 169 Bartlett Street
    • Cote’s Driving Range: 1401 Main Street
  • Coach will remain with injured athlete to administer 1st Aid/CPR as needed
  • Course/range staff will help with logistics
  • Coach will direct assigned adults or student-athletes to direct EMS/police to location of injured athlete
  • Contact Frank Cardona if not on site
  • Present Emergency Medical Form to responding EMS personnel
  • Contact student’s family with important information
  • Complete Accident Report after incident has been resolved

18 of 18

Evacuation/Reunification Plans

Each team will develop and understand a plan in case the building or campus needs to be evacuated. Please share this plan with your student-athletes and their families. Suggested places:

  • Valley View School
  • Swedish Cementary

These 2 are within walking distance.