Emergency preparedness: things to consider before the game starts.

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.