Emergency action plan (EAP)

An emergency action plan (EAP) is a written plan for responding to injuries at a specific venue.^{1Haff and Triplett (eds.), Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th ed., p. 669.},^{2National Strength and Conditioning Association, Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines, p. 12.} Everyone working in the facility must know it.^{1Haff and Triplett (eds.), Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th ed., p. 669.} The NSCA’s professional standards call it an emergency response plan in Standard 5.2, which requires a written plan for injuries, lightning strikes and other reasonably foreseeable events, posted in strategic places and practiced at least quarterly.^{2National Strength and Conditioning Association, Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines, p. 12.} The requirements apply to a small studio as well as a large facility.^{3Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 680.}

The NSCA’s strength and conditioning text lists what to include: how to activate emergency medical services (EMS), contact names and numbers, the facility’s exact address, phone and exit locations, ambulance access, first aid supplies, and procedures for fire, severe weather and crime.^{1Haff and Triplett (eds.), Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th ed., p. 669.}

In practice

• Assign staff roles: who recognizes the emergency, activates EMS, attends the client, fetches first aid equipment, guides responders in and documents the incident afterward.^{3Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 680.}
• Keep a working phone readily accessible to summon help.^{2National Strength and Conditioning Association, Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines, p. 12.}
• Rehearse at least quarterly, with some unannounced practice, then critique and correct the plan.^{4Schoenfeld and Snarr (eds.), NSCA’s Essentials of Personal Training, 3rd ed., p. 681.}
• Hold current CPR certification, plus first aid if medical personnel aren’t immediately available.^{2National Strength and Conditioning Association, Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines, p. 12.}
• Have risk managers, legal advisors or medical providers review the plan, and revise it as needed.^{2National Strength and Conditioning Association, Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines, p. 12.}