An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a hallmark of schools and athletic facilities. An EAP informs athletic trainers, coaches, students and first responders how to handle an emergency, but while it is a necessary piece of safety information, it has lagged behind in today’s digital trends.
To support a digitized EAP, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) created recommendations for leveraging technology to enhance EAPs.
NFHS said, “Traditionally, EAPs have been paper-based documents stored in binders or filing cabinets, but these static resources often fail in moments of crisis when every second counts. By transitioning to digital EAPs that can be accessed via smartphones and other devices, schools can ensure immediate access to the most current and accurate life-saving information available prior to, during and after an emergency.”
According to NFHS’s recommendations, there are five main benefits to digital EAPs.
- Immediate Accessibility
- Real-Time Updates and Customization
- Interactive Features
- Enhanced Communication
- Improved Compliance and Documentation
To support schools in implementing digital EAPs, NFHS created a five-step plan for making the change from paper to screen.
- Choose a digital platform that is mobile-friendly and allows for customization and cloud storage.
- Revise the current EAP when converting to a digital format
- Distribute the digital EAP through an app or web-based link
- Train staff on how to use the digital EAP
- Update and maintain the digital system
While NFHS acknowledged that some school leaders may be resistant to change or concerned about budget constraints, the digital, mobile-friendly EAP would significantly improve communication and emergency response time.
NFHS said, “By leveraging digital tools, schools can ensure that life-saving information is always within reach – empowering coaches, athletic trainers and administrators to act swiftly and effectively when every second matters. Implementing a digital EAP is not just a technological upgrade; it is a commitment to the safety and well-being of students, athletes and staff.”
