Frequently Asked Questions
For Medical Clients:
For medical clients: event coverage
We provide EMT staffing for sporting events across Minnesota and the greater Midwest, including high school games, tournaments, leagues, and other athletic events. Our EMTs are trained specifically for sports environments, so whether it’s a game under the Friday night lights or a weekend tournament, your athletes, staff, and spectators are all in capable hands.
What types of events do you cover?
What happens if an athlete gets seriously hurt during a game?
Our medics are response-ready: positioned, watching the play, and prepared to act the instant something happens. For sprains, fractures, concussions, or a true medical emergency, the right person responds immediately and manages the situation while coaches stay focused on their team. This is the difference between having a plan versus just having someone on site.
Can you ACCOMMODATE last-minute coverage requests?
Sometimes, depending on our current bookings. Most of our medics are scheduled one to three months in advance, and we limit how many events we take on to protect the quality of each one. If you need urgent coverage, call 763-297-1650 and we'll work to find a solution.
For medical clients: Your medics
We provide EMT staffing for sporting events across Minnesota and the greater Midwest, including high school games, tournaments, leagues, and other athletic events. Our EMTs are trained specifically for sports environments, so whether it’s a game under the Friday night lights or a weekend tournament, your athletes, staff, and spectators are all in capable hands.
are your medics actually trained for sports injuries?
What's the difference between a Smith EMS medic and an athletic trainer?
Athletic trainers focus on injury prevention, rehab, and performance for the athletes on a specific team. Smith EMS provides emergency medical care for everyone at your event, including spectators and staff, and our medics are trained to handle everything from sports injuries to unexpected medical emergencies. Many schools and organizations without dedicated athletic training staff use our medics in that role for broader coverage.
What happens if a medic calls in sick?
Medics are human, so once in a while someone gets sick, but our shift-drop rate is near zero. Because our medics are W2 employees rather than gig contractors, we keep backup medics ready to step in on game day. When we commit to your event, we're there.
what should I expect from your team on event day?
Our medics arrive early, fully equipped and in branded Smith EMS uniforms so they're easy to identify. During the event they stay active and visible, monitoring athletes, coaches, and spectators rather than sitting on the sideline. After the final whistle they wrap up any care, check in with you, and make sure nothing's left unhandled.
For medical clients: BOOKing & payment
Our rates reflect a team of trained W2 employees held to a high standard, not gig contractors paid the minimum. That means consistent quality, real accountability, and medics who actually show up. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee and flexible financing options, you’re paying for premium, reliable coverage, not just a warm body on site.
how much do event emt’s cost, and why are your rates higher than other providers?
how far in advance should we book?
Our calendar opens up to a year ahead, and we recommend booking one to three months out to secure your dates. We do take limited last-minute requests when availability allows.
can we adjust our shifts after they’re booked?
Yes. You can request changes like the number of medics or shift timing, subject to availability. Some changes may involve additional fees.
For medical clients: Safety & compliance
is smith ems insured?
Yes. Smith EMS is a fully insured company carrying both professional & general liability coverage for the organization and each its medics, so every event is backed by cohesive, reliable coverage. And because our medics are W2 employees, they’re covered by our workers’ compensation insurance. If a medic is injured while working your event, that liability sits with us, not with you. With independently contracted medics, that exposure can fall back on the event holder.
My game requires a licensed EMT onsite, can YOU provide that?
Yes. Our whole team includes is made up of licensed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s), so we match the level of care to your event's needs. We also offer standby plans with backup staffing in case of illness or emergency.
is Smith ems hipaa compliant?
Yes. We document patient care while protecting the privacy of all protected health information.
Yes. All Smith EMS medics are trained in concussion recognition and management. Diagnosing a concussion on site is outside our scope, but our medics can identify symptoms, provide immediate care, and advise on follow-up.
Are your medics concussion trained?
You'll need a current Minnesota-valid credential as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Paramedic, plus a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. If you have those and an active, sports-minded attitude, you're the kind of medic we're looking for.
For sports medics: Getting started
what certification do i need to work with smith ems?
The best fit is someone who wants to do more than sit on the sidelines. Our top medics align with our core values, stay active and engaged, communicate calmly under pressure, and actually enjoy being around sports. Strong patient-care skills matter, but so does presence, because at our events you're watching the game and ready to respond, not waiting in a chair.
What makes a great sports medic?
Ask yourself: Am I comfortable around athletes, coaches, and parents? Do I understand the flow of competition? Can I stay calm in high-stress moments? Do I enjoy being at sporting events? Do I have evenings or weekends free, and am I willing to invest in my own gear to start? Our strongest medics answer yes to all of these.
how do i know if this work is right for me?
It's three steps. First you apply, with a quick online application, a short virtual screening, and an in-person interview to make sure we're aligned on expectations and culture. Then you complete our Sports Medic Training Program. Then you start selecting shifts and working events. We don't drop medics into events and hope they're ready; you earn your spot.
For sports medics: joining the team
what does the hiring process look like?
Three parts. You'll complete self-paced online modules focused on real event scenarios, positioning, and communication. Then you shadow active Smith EMS medics to see how events actually run. Finally you complete a scenario-based field evaluation that tests awareness, decision-making, and communication, not memorization. Passing it confirms you're ready for independent shifts.
What’s involved in the sports medic training program?
Your job is to provide on-site medical support: responding to injuries, watching for safety concerns, and keeping athletes, staff, and spectators safe. You're paid to actively watch and engage with the game so you can respond the moment something happens. You'll also work alongside coaches, officials, and organizers to help the event run smoothly.
For sports medics: working events
what’s my role at an event as a sports medic?
Sports across Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, including hockey, basketball, football, and more, at the high school, club, and tournament level. These are fast-paced environments where your role genuinely matters.
What kind of events will i work?
For sports medics: pay & scheduling
how are shifts assigned?
Shifts are posted in our scheduling system and you claim the ones that fit your life on a self-assign, first-come basis. We hire medics who have full-time jobs or are in school, so the work flexes around weekday evenings and weekends.
We offer competitive base pay that reflects the responsibility you carry, with increased pay for travel and extended coverage, and consistent work for reliable medics. As W2 employees, our medics are also covered by workers' compensation while working events.
how does pay work?
For sports medics: gear & requirements
do i need my own equipment?
Yes. Each medic stocks and maintains their own medical bag with the essential supplies outlined in our handbook, so you're always prepared to deliver excellent BLS care. It's a reasonable upfront investment to get started.
