KEEN has developed procedures for handling emergencies. They are intended to prepare volunteers for any unlikely but possible situations. At each KEEN session, the Program Director will have Emergency Contact Information for each athlete.
These procedures cover injury, seizure and lost athlete situations.
Remember, before each session, coaches should:
- Read and re-read their Athlete's Profile.
- Make mental note of any medical concerns or cautionary information on the Profile. The Profile will note the possibility of injury or seizure.
- Ask the KEEN Program Director and/or the athlete's parents to answer any questions.
In the event of an emergency, stay calm.
Cuts, Scrapes and Bruises
- KEEN has first aid kits available at the program site to take care of these common accidents. Please inform a member of session monitors.
- For more serious injuries, parents and the Rescue Squad, if needed, will be called.
Seizures
Seizures are a common side effect of some of our athlete’s disabilities. It will say in the profile if an athlete is prone to seizures. Following these procedures will help manage the situation and help the affected athlete:
- Coach should note the time as precisely as possible. Length of the seizure denotes its severity.
- Send someone to find the Head Coach or KEEN Coordinator.
- Make sure the athlete is comfortable, but let the seizure run its course.
- Don’t put your hands near the mouth of someone who is seizing.
- Be prepared to notify parents using emergency contact information and/or call 911.
Lost Athlete
Athletes like to run and play games or hide. It is important that coaches stay with their athletes at all times, but if they should lose track of their athlete they should notify the Head Coach or Coordinator immediately who will put together a search party. Coaches working with a “runner” should take special care, some athletes like to run but have no sense of danger.
Any Uncomfortable or Uncontrollable Situations
- If a coach for any reason feels uncomfortable in a situation with an athlete they should find and inform the Head Coach or Coordinator.
- If a coach feels an athlete is acting in an inappropriate way and he/she cannot control the situation, again, find and inform the Head Coach or Coordinator.
