Beyond the AED: Other Lifesaving Supplies Every Sports Venue Should Have On Hand
Being Ready for More Than One Kind of Emergency
Cardiac arrest isn’t the only life-threatening emergency that can happen on a field, in a gym, or at a school event. Severe bleeding, allergic reactions, or drug overdoses can occur without warning — and fast, prepared responses can mean the difference between life and death.
Just like an AED, these other emergency supplies are simple to use, effective, and widely available. Keeping them stored together in one visible, accessible location helps ensure no one wastes time searching for what they need when seconds matter.
1. “Stop the Bleed” Kits: Controlling Severe Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding can be fatal in minutes — sometimes even faster than cardiac arrest. That’s why Stop the Bleed kits are now recommended in public venues, schools, and athletic facilities.
These kits typically include:
Tourniquets for limb bleeding
Hemostatic dressings or gauze that help blood clot
Compression bandages and gloves
Simple instructions for bystanders
Training courses are short and straightforward, and many are offered free by local hospitals or EMS agencies. Even basic knowledge — how to apply firm pressure, pack a wound, or use a tourniquet — can save a life before paramedics arrive.
2. Epinephrine Auto-Injectors or Nasal Sprays: Treating Severe Allergic Reactions
Anaphylaxis can strike suddenly from food, insect stings, or environmental exposure. Having epinephrine on site is a game-changer.
Epinephrine auto-injectors (like EpiPen, Auvi-Q, or generic epinephrine) and nasal spray formulations are designed for quick, no-mistake use — even by non-medical personnel. Clear instructions, automatic needle retraction, and audible voice prompts make administration simple and fast.
Some schools and sports organizations keep “stock epinephrine” — not prescribed to one person, but available for any emergency. Legislation in many states now supports or even mandates this practice.
3. Opioid Reversal Agents: Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray or Injection
While we hope never to need it, opioid overdoses are an unfortunate reality in communities everywhere — including sports and fitness settings. Whether it’s an athlete’s post-surgical prescription or a bystander at a public event, naloxone (Narcan) can rapidly reverse a potentially fatal overdose.
Nasal spray formulations are simple: no needles, no mixing, no hesitation. One spray into the nostril can restore breathing within minutes. It’s safe even if the cause of unconsciousness isn’t an opioid, so there’s no harm in using it if in doubt.
Having naloxone accessible alongside your AED ensures responders are prepared for a wider range of emergencies.
4. Basic First Aid Supplies: Don’t Overlook the Essentials
Alongside these specialized lifesaving tools, every venue should also maintain:
Gloves and barrier masks
Cold packs and dressings
CPR mask or face shield
Emergency contact sheet with facility address and AED location
Flashlight and spare batteries
Keeping these with your AED creates a single, reliable “Emergency Response Station.”
Training: The Key to Effective Response
Having supplies is important — knowing how to use them is even more critical. Regular training sessions for coaches, athletic trainers, and staff build confidence and reduce hesitation.
Simple reminders like:
“Call 911 first”
“Start chest compressions”
“Use what you have — any help is better than none”
help reinforce that early action saves lives.
Bottom Line
A well-stocked emergency station is about preparedness, not panic. Alongside your AED, make sure your sports venue includes:
A Stop the Bleed kit
Epinephrine for allergic reactions
Naloxone for opioid emergencies
Basic first aid supplies
Together, these tools empower coaches, parents, and bystanders to act quickly and effectively when every second counts.