IHSA Emergency Procedures & Response 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When activating the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) at an athletic facility, what is the FIRST action a coach should take?
- Administer first aid immediately
- Designate someone to call 911 (Correct answer)
- Clear spectators from the area
- Retrieve the AED from storage
Correct answer: Designate someone to call 911
The first action when activating an EAP is to designate someone to call 911 to ensure EMS is en route while other steps are taken.
Question 2: A football player is found unresponsive on the field with no breathing detected. Which sequence is correct?
- Call 911, begin CPR, attach AED when available (Correct answer)
- Attach AED first, then call 911
- Begin CPR, wait for AED, then call 911
- Move athlete to sideline, then call 911
Correct answer: Call 911, begin CPR, attach AED when available
The correct chain of survival starts with calling 911, then beginning CPR, and applying the AED as soon as it arrives.
Question 3: During a lightning storm, athletes are still on the field. According to IHSA guidelines, coaches should remove athletes from the field when lightning is within how many miles?
- 10 miles
- 5 miles (Correct answer)
- 8 miles
- 3 miles
Correct answer: 5 miles
IHSA and NATA guidelines require removing athletes from outdoor venues when lightning is within 5 miles.
Question 4: A wrestler complains of a stinger (burner) with temporary arm numbness after a takedown. What is the appropriate immediate response?
- Allow play to continue if sensation returns quickly
- Remove the athlete and evaluate for cervical spine involvement (Correct answer)
- Apply ice and return athlete to play after 5 minutes
- Have the athlete perform range-of-motion exercises
Correct answer: Remove the athlete and evaluate for cervical spine involvement
Stingers with numbness require removal from play and evaluation to rule out cervical spine injury before return.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of having a written Emergency Action Plan posted at each athletic venue?
- To satisfy insurance requirements
- To ensure all staff know their specific roles during an emergency (Correct answer)
- To document past emergencies for legal protection
- To outline liability waivers for participants
Correct answer: To ensure all staff know their specific roles during an emergency
A posted EAP ensures every staff member knows their specific responsibilities, reducing confusion and response time during emergencies.
Question 6: An athlete suffers a suspected hypoglycemic episode during practice. They are conscious and able to swallow. What should the coach do?
- Administer insulin immediately
- Give the athlete 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (Correct answer)
- Have the athlete rest for 30 minutes before giving food
- Call 911 and do not give any food or drink
Correct answer: Give the athlete 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates
A conscious athlete who can swallow should receive 15–20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates to raise blood glucose.
Question 7: After calling 911, a coach should send someone to meet emergency responders. Where should that person be positioned?
- At the athlete's location to assist CPR
- At the nearest road entrance to direct EMS to the scene (Correct answer)
- At the school office to unlock doors
- At the AED cabinet to retrieve equipment
Correct answer: At the nearest road entrance to direct EMS to the scene
A designee should wait at the facility entrance to guide EMS directly to the emergency scene, preventing critical delays.
IHSA Emergency Procedures & Response 2
When activating the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) at an athletic facility, what is the FIRST action a coach should take?