What is an Emergency Action Plan?

An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a formal plan designed to dictate duties to staff members when handling an Incident. By Incident, we mean any situation where a person is injured or lives are in danger. This could be as simple as a sprained ankle or as complex as a fire evacuation. The plan should address it all.

Why do I need an Emergency Action Plan at my facility?

Out of the thousands of fitness facilities that the Sport Management Group has inspected, only a small percentage of management teams have a formal, written Emergency Action Plan.  When asked if an EAP exists, most managers merely state that they call 911.  Well, that's not good enough anymore.  Management must realize that they are providing services that can place individuals in potentially risky situations.  With this in mind, management has to train its staff members on how to identify, evaluate, and determine what actions, if any, should be taken to alleviate an incident.

How do I create an Emergency Action Plan for my facility?

Emergency Action Plans should be developed one step at a time. You must remember that you are planning for the unpredictable. It sounds like a contradiction in words, but there is no way you can know what type of incident will happen or when it is going to happen. You must be prepared for anything. You should keep your EAP basic because the simpler it is, the more likely it will be properly carried out.  Remember, your EAP should be designed to reduce injuries and possibly save a life or lives.  Developing an EAP should be an ongoing project. You can always make it better. Practicing your EAP will help you make it strong and also keep it fresh in your mind and your staff member’s minds.

Before you start developing your Emergency Action Plan you should have a risk assessment performed to discover all existing risks. Be practical and determine what is more likely to happen in your facility setting and geographical location.

In developing a successful EAP, the following requirements must be met before the plan is implemented:

1. REMEMBER:  Assess the situation first.  Don't intervene unless the injured party is unable to administer their own aid.
2. Make sure that a CPR and First Aid certified staff member is on duty at all times.  DO NOT rely on Independent Contractors to step in and help.  DO NOT rely on clients who are doctors to step in and help.
3. A working and readily accessible communications system must be in place and available for use in contacting outside Incident assistance.
4. Emergency phone numbers must be posted in conspicuous areas located beside all telephones.
5. Detailed directions to the facility from the closest emergency service station must be located at all phones. The complete address of the facility must be included with directions.
6. 1st responder MUST be CPR/First-aid certified. 2nd responder, if available, should be responsible for calling emergency services.
7. Your Emergency Action Plan must be rehearsed. Rehearsals should be documented.