Holly Springs High School
Emergency Action Plan
Holly Springs High School Athletic Department
The following is a protocol to be used for emergency situations that may occur during an athletic
practice or event at Holly Springs High School. Review the protocol for your particular sport. It is
your responsibility as a coach to know the proper procedure to follow in order to ensure proper
care for your athletes in the event of an emergency.
General Protocol:
The protocol will vary according to who is in attendance at the game/practice. In most instances,
the athletic trainer/assistant athletic trainer and/or athletic director is on site. During practice, this
is not always the case. It is the coach’s responsibility to activate the Emergency Action Plan in
the absence of these individuals. If you are in doubt about activating EMS-make the call. An
athletic trainer will cover all football and home athletic events and will be accompanied by an MD
for all home football games.
Emergency Protocol:
All suspected concussions will be referred to either Carolina Family Practice & Sports Medicine.
Life threatening heat related illnesses and cardiac conditions will be referred to the activation of
EMS/local hospital. There will be an AED on site of all home athletic events. The head athletic
trainer and first responders are trained to use an AED.
Chain of Command
 Head Athletic Trainer or First Responder
 Athletic Director
 Head Coach
 Assistant Coach
 Sports Medicine Student Assistant
1. The person on site that is highest in the chain of command should always stay with the
injured athlete.
2. If a cellular phone is not available, send the next person on the list to make the necessary
phone calls.
3. If EMS has been called, designate someone to go to Cass Holt Rd. and direct the emergency
vehicle to the proper location.
4. Call the parent/guardian after EMS has arrived and the situation has been properly assessed
and accurate information can be given.
Emergency Telephone Numbers
Phone Locations are as follows: Gym Conference Room-dial 9 then the number for both phones.
Holly Springs EMS
911
Holly Springs Fire Dept.
567-4733
Holly Springs Police (Emergency)
557-9111
Holly Springs Police (Non-Emergency) 552-7110
Wake Co. Sheriff
755-6910
Western Wake Medical Center
233-2300
WakeMed Apex Healthplex
350-4300
Wake Medical Center
250-8000
Molly Arey, LAT, ATC
(Home) 704-517-9668
(Cell)
919-669-3702
Tamara Young
(Cell)
919-749-6349
School
577-1444
Activating EMS
The following information should be given when calling 911:







Description of the problem
Report what emergency care has been given
Your name
Athlete’s name
Exact location
The phone number from which you are calling
Do not hang up until the dispatcher instructs you to do so
Calling Parents:
You should keep your Student Athlete Travel forms available at all times to contact
parents/guardians in case of an emergency. All pertinent athlete history, medical conditions,
prescriptions, and allergies will be listed. Keep the forms available at all times.
*Impending Lightning Protocol
1. The Athletic Trainer, Athletic Director, and Head Coach will be aware of the weather forecast.
2. Should conditions exist for a possible thunderstorm, the following “chain of command” will
monitor the weather conditions during the event:
1) Athletic Trainer
2) Athletic Director
3) School Administrator
4) Head Coach
3. The designated monitor(s) will discuss with the game officials prior to the start of the game
the impending lightning plan.
4. All play will be stopped and the field and stands immediately evacuated if:
a) Thunderstorm warning for the area has been announced by radio or TV
b) Lightning storm detector signals thunderstorm warnings
c) Conditions are right for the development of a thunderstorm
d) Lightning is within 6 miles of the playing field
5. A PA announcement will be made that all spectators are to immediately evacuate the area
and go to a designated shelter. At Holly Springs High School the designated “Safe Site” is
the Auxillary Gym.
6. Play will not resume for a minimum of 30 minutes. This may need to be longer depending on
the weather conditions.
7. Following the initial 30 minutes, reassessments will be made at 15 minute intervals to
determine if conditions are appropriate for resumption of play.
Practice Protocol for Lightning:
Coaches are expected to follow the above protocol for practice. Refer to #4, 6, & 7 (above).
Using the “flash-bang” method where the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing the
clap of thunder is divided by 5 to determine how far away the lightning is occurring (in miles). A
count of 30 seconds will tell you that lightning is occurring about 6 miles away.

*Based upon recommendations of the Sports Medicine Committee of the North Carolina
Medical Society.
Important Conditions
Management of Suspected Head Injuries
Signs and symptoms of a possible concussion are listed below. If you observe an athlete
experiencing even one of these symptoms, the athlete MUST be removed immediately from all
participation. If the ATC/First Responder is available, contact him/her immediately so an
evaluation can be performed. If the ATC/First Responder is not accessible, contact parent and
recommend a prompt physician evaluation. Make sure that you contact the parent if EMS has
been activated.
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury that:
 Is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head
 Can change the way your brain normally works
 Can range from mild to severe
 Can occur during practices or games in any sport
 Can happen even if you haven’t been knocked out
 Can be serious even if you’ve just been “dinged” or had your “bell rung”
What are the symptoms of a concussion?
Nausea (feeling that you might vomit)
Balance problems or dizziness
Double or fuzzy vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Headache
Feeling sluggish
Feeling foggy or groggy
Concentration or memory problems (forgetting game plays)
Confusion

All athletes that are suspected of having a concussion are required to go to a
physician for evaluation. Each athlete must be released, in writing on the approved
NCHSAA form, by a physician to return to play. The Athletic Trainer must have the
written clearance before the athlete can begin their return to play protocol.
Concussion Referral:
Carolina Family Practice and Sports Medicine
3700 NW Cary Parkway, Suite 110
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 238-2000
Dr. Michael Hart
Carolina Family Practice and Sports Medicine
190 Rosewood Center Drive
Holly Springs, NC 27540
919-238-2000
Management of Suspected Heat Related Illness
Signs and symptoms of a possible heat illness are listed below. If you observe an athlete
experiencing even one of these symptoms, the athlete MUST immediately be removed from all
participation. If the ATC/First Responder is available, contact him/her immediately so an
evaluation can be performed. If the ATC/First Responder is not accessible provide the following
care. Please note that if the athlete is unconscious or has an altered level of
consciousness 911 should be called immediately. Make sure that you contact the parent if
EMS has been activated.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Place athlete in shade or in cooler area.
Provide cold fluid to drink, preferably water (unless unconscious).
Remove excess clothing and equipment.
Monitor signs and symptoms. If in 10 minutes the athlete does not improve, or if
condition worsens at any point, call 911.
5. Contact parents regardless of whether 911 has been called.
6. Contact ATC/First Responder to notify of incident.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness:
Early Stages (sometimes called heat exhaustion)
 Cool, moist, pale, ashen, or flushed skin
 Headache, nausea, dizziness
 Weakness, exhaustion
Late Stages (sometimes called heat stroke)
 Heavy sweating
 Red, hot, dry skin
 Changes in level of consciousness
 Vomiting
Management of Asthma or Difficulty Breathing
The following are signs and symptoms of an asthma attack. If any of these signs are observed in
an athlete that you suspect of having an asthma attack, remove them from the practice or game
immediately. If they have an inhaler, have the student administer it as directed. If they do not
have an inhaler; have them sit, try to remain calm, breath slowly and deeply in through the nose
and out through the mouth. If the ATC/First Responder is available, contact him/her immediately
so emergency care can be provided. If you are certified in CPR/FA, provide appropriate care until
the ATC/First Responder arrives.
Signs and Symptoms
Uncontrollable coughing
Wheezing
Rapid breathing
Flaring nostrils
Feeling “tightness” in their chest

If you are aware one of your athlete’s has Asthma it is best to keep an extra inhaler,
labeled with the athlete’s name, with you at all times.
Management of Anaphylaxis
The following are signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. If any of these signs are observed in an
athlete that you suspect of having an anaphylactic reaction, have the athlete administer their
prescribed medication (usually an Epi-Pin) and call the ATC/First Responder immediately so
emergency care can be provided, then call the athlete’s parent. Once the ATC/First Responder
arrives they will determine if EMS needs to be activated. If you are certified in CPR/FA, provide
appropriate care until EMS, ATC/First Responder, or another professional rescuer arrives. If the
athlete has a delayed anaphylactic reaction and are having difficulty breathing, call 911
immediately. If the ATC/First Responder is available, contact him/her immediately so
emergency care can be provided. If you are certified in CPR/FA, provide appropriate care until
EMS, ATC/First Responder, or another professional rescuer arrives..Make sure that you contact
the parent if EMS has been activated.
Severe Allergic Reaction
Flushed face Hives all over the body
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Blue tint around the mouth and eyes
Confusion
Difficulty swallowing
Weakness
Loss of consciousness
Paleness

Mild Allergic Reaction
Red, watery eyes
Itchy, sneezing, runny nose
Hives or rash in one area
If you are aware that one of your athlete’s had a severe allergy, and has a prescription
medication, you should keep it with you at all times. The athlete must administer the
medication themselves if they are having a reaction.
Management of Cardiac Emergencies
The following are signs and symptoms of a cardiac emergency. If any of these signs are
observed in an athlete that you suspect of having a cardiac issue, call 911 immediately. If the
ATC/First Responder is available, contact him/her immediately so emergency care can be
provided. If you are certified in CPR/FA, provide appropriate care until EMS, ATC/First
Responder, or another professional rescuer arrives. Make sure that you contact the parent if EMS
has been activated.
Signs and Symptoms of a Cardiac Emergency:
 Chest Discomfort
 Jaw, neck, shoulder or arm pain
 Shortness of Breath
 Nausea
 Lightheadedness
 Profuse Sweating
Location of AED’s at Holly Springs High School
 Athletic Training Room (1416) on the top shelf of the bookcase
 1st floor on the 1600 Hallway (near the stairwell)
 2nd floor on the 2600 Hallway (near the stairwell)
 3rd floor on the 3700 Hallway (near the elevator & stairwell)

An AED will be present at all home athletic events with the ATC or First Responder
covering the event.