Date of Award
Summer 5-31-2026
Document Type
Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscript
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Martha Grant Fuller, PhD, APRN, DNP
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in young athletes, yet it is highly survival with proven measures: a structured emergency action plan (EAP), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) within 3 minutes can raise survival rates to 90%. Despite this, high schools show inconsistent compliance, largely due to the lack of fragmented oversight and lack of standardized practices
Purpose of Project: This proposal advocates for multidisciplinary task forces to enforce venue-specific, National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)-compliant EAPs across California high schools, with the goal of improving emergency response times and AED utilization.
Methods: The RE-AIM framework guided the development of policies and protocols for emergency action planning.
Evidence Intervention: District-level multidisciplinary task forces will support schools in developing, implementing, and sustaining NATA-compliant EAPs.
Cost/benefit: Operational costs include personnel time, AED maintenance, and staff training. The prevention of avoidable morbidity and mortality offers a long-term return on investment that outweighs immediate financial burdens.
Evaluation/Results: Outcomes include documented NATA-compliant EAPs, annual review and rehearsal, and improved coordination between school personnel and local emergency medical services (EMS).
Implications for Practice: Standardized protocols can enhance clinical readiness, reduce disparities in underserved areas, and ensure consistent standard of care for student-athletes.
Conclusion: Significant gaps between policy and practice persist. Establishing multidisciplinary oversight with state support can enforce standardized EAPs, reduce preventable deaths, and ensure equitable access to life-saving interventions.
Keywords: emergency action plan, sudden cardiac arrest, high school athletes, cardiac emergency action plan, RE-AIM framework
Digital USD Citation
Lu, Jennifer, "Enhancing Emergency Preparedness in California High Schools: A Policy Framework for Implementing NATA-Compliant Emergency Action Plans Through Multidisciplinary Task Forces" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Manuscripts. 334.
https://digital.sandiego.edu/dnp/334
Copyright
Copyright held by the author