School of Kinesiology’s Rebecca Hirschhorn Collaborates on New Industry Position Statement to Revolutionize Sports Emergency Action Plans
December 05, 2024
Rebecca Hirschhorn, PhD, co-authored the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) position statement on emergency action plan development and implementation in sport to change the game
on Sports Emergency Action Plans. Highlighting new priorities, this plan is exceedingly
more effective compared to its predecessor. 
Published in the NATA Journal of Athletic Training, the new position statement on emergency action plans in sports outlines new priorities for addressing catastrophic injuries and provides a framework for creating and using emergency response strategies across all levels, from youth to professional leagues. The plan includes recommendations for healthcare professionals' preparation and on-site response, ensuring quick action before hospital transport. Key suggestions include having a pre-event medical meeting to review emergency procedures and equipment locations, customizing plans to fit specific team environments and the unique needs of different sports, and appointing an emergency action plan coordinator. Working alongside other athletic staff, this new suggestion will upgrade venue-specific plans to include variables for each sport and produce comprehensive documentation of incidents.
The last time NATA updated the Emergency Action Plans was 22 years ago. This is the first statement created under NATA’s updated, objective approach to team selection, considering factors like gender, race, and specialty.
“The LSU Athletic Training program is at the epicenter of important national developments in athletic training and this work by Dr. Hirschhorn on emergency action plans will save lives,” said John Nauright, PhD, director of LSU School of Kinesiology. “It is a prime example of how we are shaping the future by building teams that win across our programs in the School of Kinesiology.”
This new wave of guidelines is a significant milestone for athletes' safety across the nation. It is a commitment to improvement that makes the health of athletes a top priority and enforces a culture of safety in sports.
About the College of Human Sciences & Education
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education, the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership & Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12. The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute, the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards in teaching, research, and service and aims to improve quality of life across the lifespan.
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About the LSU School of Kinesiology
The LSU School of Kinesiology (SOK) advances the understanding of physical activity, sport, and health to optimize the quality of life for diverse populations through excellence in teaching, learning, discovery, and engagement. SOK offers a BS, MS, Online MS, PhD, and two certificate options. Graduates go on to successful careers in the health and fitness industry, corporate wellness, sport agencies and businesses, athletic administration, and K-12 educational settings. SOK is part of the College of Human Sciences & Education.