Possession and Administration of Epinephrine in Sports Facilities and Events
Epinephrine can be administered by a healthcare professional at a sports venue as defined by Chapter 773 of the Health and Safety Code. According to Texas Statutes (n.d.), epinephrine may be used to manage Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis (EIA), which often occurs during exercise. This code asserts that only a professional or volunteer trained to handle an epinephrine auto-injector for an individual experiencing anaphylaxis may perform this action.
This statute also states that only the executive commissioner has the mandate to adopt rules directing the administration, maintenance, and disposal of an epinephrine auto-injector at sports facilities. Sports facilities must declare the number and dosage of the epinephrine auto-injectors at the facility. Sports facilities in possession of epinephrine auto-injectors must also declare the dosages of the injectors available at the facility, the replacement criterion, and the expiration dates of the injectors. Therefore, Texas Statutes have stringent guidelines on the administration and handling of epinephrine auto-injectors.
Sports facilities that adopt the use of epinephrine auto-injectors must duly train their injection personnel on the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, child and adult dosage rates, handling an epinephrine auto-injector, emergency procedures following administration of epinephrine, and disposal procedures of used and expired injectors. Epinephrine auto-injectors must be stored as guided by the manufacturer and should be accessible to the administrator at all times (Texas Statutes, n.d.). Epinephrine auto-injectors are treated with so much care because their role involves a critical health intervention that must be carefully administered only by trained professionals.
Automated External Defibrillators in School Sports
Guidelines on the use of Automated External Defibrillators in school sports is contained in Chapter 779 of the Health and Safety Code. According to Texas Statutes (n.d.), it is a must for at least one automated external defibrillator (AEDs) to be present in schools (elementary, junior high, and high school), dental offices, and nursing homes. In schools, the AEDs mainly target athletic events held on campus, other athletic activities organized away from campus, and any gathering with a significant presence of students. Each school must manage how to implement, coordinate, and maintain its own AEDs.
Each AED placed should be visible and easily accessible at all times. Users of AEDs must undergo training on AED handling and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as recommended by the American Heart Association or the Red Cross. Texas AED laws are not that stringent, which is why gyms or other sports facilities or events must not have AEDs present, although cases of cardiac arrest are highly likely in such facilities. However, it is highly encouraged that a defibrillator is present at any place with a large number of people.
Sports, Amusements, and Entertainment
Combative Sports
Combative sports are described by Texas Statutes as types of sport where participants take part in body contact competition to gain points or subdue an opponent in a contest (Texas Statutes, n.d.). There are various types of combative sports acknowledged by the Texas Statutes, including, kickboxing, boxing, martial arts, and mixed martial arts. Combative sports are documented in chapter 2052 of the occupations code in which details pertaining to the conduct of participants and the organizers of such sports is described.
For all combative sports events, there must be an AED, a certified ambulance, an emergency medical technician, a stretcher, a resuscitator, oxygen, a neck brace, portable suction, and a backboard available on site for all events (Texas Department of Licensing and Registration, n.d.; Texas Statutes, n.d.). These emergency protocols are necessary because combative sports involve some strategies that may harm participants in different ways.
Texas Statutes do not currently have any official laws mandating the presence of emergency ambulance services at any sports facilities or events. The University Interscholastic League (UIL), which happens to be one of the most popular campus athletics associations, is also included in this categorization. According to local government guidelines, emergency ambulance services at sports facilities and events may only be requested on demand. Therefore, sports facilities and events can organize emergency ambulance services at their own discretion.
References
Health and Safety Code; Chapter 773. Emergency Medical Services. (n.d.). Texas Statutes. Web.
Health and Safety Code; Chapter 779. (n.d.). Texas Statutes. Web.
Occupation Statutes. (n.d.). Texas Statutes. Web.
Requirements for Combative Sports Events. (n.d.). Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR). Web.