An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in sport is a written protocol detailing the exact steps that should be taken if a cardiac arrest or other medical emergency occurs during sporting activity. A well-structured EAP increases the speed and effectiveness of the response and improves survival outcomes.
All sports clubs, schools, gyms, and leisure facilities in the UK are encouraged to have a current EAP that covers: the location of the nearest AED, names and contact details of trained first-aiders, the procedure for calling emergency services, and a clear chain of command for who does what in an emergency. The EAP should be rehearsed regularly and reviewed whenever staffing or facilities change.
Templates and guidance are available from the British Heart Foundation, Resuscitation Council UK, and sport-specific governing bodies. For cardiac arrest survivors returning to competitive or recreational sport after their event, confirming that any club or facility they attend has a functional EAP and an accessible defibrillator should form part of their safety planning with their medical team. See also Graduated Return to Activity.
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