Why Your Event Needs a Dedicated Medic — Not a Parent or staff member
The Hidden Risks of volunteer/Dual-role Medical Coverage
Divided roles lead to delayed response
A teacher running the scoreboard or a parent cheering for their child can’t fully focus on medical response. The seconds lost in recognition and action can change the entire outcome of an incident. A dedicated medic’s sole role is to watch, anticipate, and respond.
Doctors & Nurses Aren’t Always Reliable event medics
We occasionally hear, “We have a doctor who helps out when they can.”
The problem? Doctors have other obligations—if they’re called into work or have a hospital emergency, your event suddenly loses its coverage, sometimes hours before kickoff. Without a structured backup system, your event is left vulnerable.
No Backup If They Get Sick or Cancel
If your one volunteer or staff member gets sick or can’t make it, who steps in?
Without a professional network to draw from, your event can be left without medical support. At Smith EMS, we maintain a deep roster of trained medics ready to step in when the unexpected happens—ensuring you’re never without coverage.
Why Dedicated Medics Make the Difference
A professional event medic’s only job is to safeguard athletes and attendees. They’re not multitasking, spectating, or volunteering—they’re fully engaged and alert. Their visibility on the sidelines not only ensures faster response times but also reassures athletes, parents, and directors that the event is being handled professionally.
At Smith EMS, our medics are:
Focused on one responsibility: Medical readiness and response.
Certified and insured professionals: EMRs, EMTs, and Paramedics trained for athletic environments.
Supported by a team: If one medic can’t make it, there’s others ready to step in.
Compliance & Medical Oversight
When you partner with Smith EMS, you’re not just hiring medics—you’re aligning with a compliant and medically directed organization. We operate under medical direction, meaning all of our patient assessments and treatments are performed under the guidance and authorization of a licensed EMS physician with experience directing ambulance and other response services.
This ensures:
Clinical oversight and accountability for every patient encounter.
Adherence to state and local EMS protocols that align with Minnesota Department of Health standards and national scope.
Legal protection for your event through proper documentation, chain of command, and scope of practice adherence.
Independent individuals or volunteers typically lack this level of structure. Without a medical director, they operate without the ability to legally assess or treat patients beyond basic first aid—putting your athletes and organization at risk.
Your Program Deserves More Than “Good Enough”
Using volunteers or multitasking staff might feel convenient, but it exposes your organization to unnecessary risk. A dedicated EMS team brings consistency, preparedness, and peace of mind at every game, every weekend.
At Smith EMS, our coverage isn’t an afterthought—it’s our focus.
Ready to make your next season safer and simpler?
Reach out to learn more about dedicated, professional event medical coverage for your school or tournament.
Signed, Sports Medic Sam
