Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

Which of the following statements about emergency action plans is TRUE?

1. Must be distributed to team physicians

2. Must be verbal agreements

3. Only needs to be reviewed annually

4. Should be general for all activity venues

The correct answer is: Must be distributed to team physicians

The statement that emergency action plans must be distributed to team physicians is accurate because effective communication among all personnel involved in emergency response is critical. Team physicians play a vital role in providing immediate medical care during emergencies, and their familiarity with the emergency action plan ensures they are prepared to execute their responsibilities swiftly and effectively. By having access to the plan, team physicians can coordinate with athletic trainers and other staff to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing emergencies. In contrast, verbal agreements may lead to misunderstandings or omissions, which can hinder preparedness during an actual emergency. Relying solely on annual reviews could overlook necessary updates that arise from changes in personnel, protocols, or participant needs throughout the year. Lastly, having a general plan for all activity venues fails to consider the specific risks and logistical details unique to each venue, which is essential for an effective emergency action plan. Adapting these plans to meet the specific circumstances of each location enhances safety and response efficacy.