Team members and roles for the FIFA emergency action plan
Role | Skills | MDT member example | Responsibility |
Team leader | Team coordination and communication Good understanding of clinical prioritisation in emergency care Clear situational awareness | Doctor Senior paramedic Nurse with the resuscitation leader role | If performing the initial assessment, move to “Hands Off’ role when able: Should avoid becoming task-focused and only be involved in practical skills if absolutely required. Responsible for delegating key equipment to other roles (such as AED/medical gases/airway equipment). Responsible for coordinating the team, defining clinical priorities, and maintaining an overview. Responsible for garnering pertinent medical information relating to the patient, from the team medical staff. |
Head/neck | Recognise potential cervical-spine injury and apply manual in-line stabilisation (MILS) techniques Perform airway management (or exchange with more qualified responder) in unconscious patients (including iGel LMA insertion in sudden cardiac arrest). | Doctor Physiotherapist Athletic trainer Paramedic EMT | Primary communicator with patient Cervical-spine MILS Airway management Leading team in log-roll or spine boarding technique. |
Chest | Able to perform initial primary clinical assessment (ABCDE) Experienced in recognising sudden cardiac arrest or signs of significant injury Capable of performing basic airway manoeuvres and chest compressions | Doctor Paramedic EMT | Initial assessment (including starting as team leader while team assembles) Ensure safe airway and application of oxygen when required Start CPR Torso control in log-roll |
Equipment | Understands the use and deployment of all medical equipment allocated to the team (although does not need to be skilled in its use) Able to carry relatively heavy resources to support the team | Paramedic EMT First Aiders/AHPs | Bring FIFA Bag and AED. Deployment of medical equipment in line with the clinical scenario Liaison with any other venue stretcher team personnel to assist the team leader in coordinating extrication Responsible for the safe clearance and removal of medical equipment from the field of play |
Pelvis | Perform basic medical manual handling and assist clinicians in patient care Trained in the application of spinal immobilisation and patient movement equipment | EMT First Aiders/AHPs | Pelvic control in log-roll Assists with CPR (if trained) May be designated specific equipment to assist Head & Chest roles (AED/medical gases/airway equipment) |
Legs | Perform basic medical manual handling and assist clinicians in patient care Trained in the application of spinal immobilisation and patient stabilisation equipment (such as spider straps and vacuum splints) | EMT First Aiders AHPs | Leg control in log-roll Assists with CPR (if trained) May be designated specific equipment to assist head/neck and chest roles (AED/medical gases/airway equipment) |
AED, automated external defibrillator; AHP, allied health professionals; CPR, cardiopulmonary resusicitation; EMT, emergency medical technician; FIFA, Fédération Internationale de Football Association; LMA, laryngeal mask airway; MDT, multidisciplinary team.