During a large track meet, an athlete collapses with a heat-related illness. When activating EMS, which piece of information should the AT provide first?

During a large track meet, an athlete collapses with a heat-related illness. When activating EMS, which piece of information should the AT provide first?

• A. Age of the Participant
• B. Exact Location of the Participant
• C. Full Name of the Participant as Found on Medical History Form
• D. Insurance Information

Answer: (B)

When activating EMS, rapid access to the patient is the top priority. The first information you relay should be the exact location of the participant. In a large track meet, there are multiple fields, venues, and entry points; giving precise details—such as “finish line area of the track near gate C, by the field house” or the closest accessible landmark—lets responders find and reach the athlete quickly, which is critical for heat-related illness where every minute matters. Other details like age, the participant’s full name, or insurance information are not needed to locate the team or start care, and can be provided after EMS arrives or once on scene for medical records. The key is to get help there fast by pinpointing the location first.

When activating EMS, rapid access to the patient is the top priority. The first information you relay should be the exact location of the participant. In a large track meet, there are multiple fields, venues, and entry points; giving precise details—such as “finish line area of the track near gate C, by the field house” or the closest accessible landmark—lets responders find and reach the athlete quickly, which is critical for heat-related illness where every minute matters.

Other details like age, the participant’s full name, or insurance information are not needed to locate the team or start care, and can be provided after EMS arrives or once on scene for medical records. The key is to get help there fast by pinpointing the location first.