Standardising the preparation for, and delivery of care during, and after critical incidents: a Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine position statement

Participation in sport provides substantial physical and mental health benefits; however, it also carries a risk of rare but high-impact critical incidents. This policy brief outlines a practical, standardised framework for the preparation, management, and follow-up of such incidents in sport. Drawing on current evidence and expert consensus, we emphasise the importance of robust, rehearsed emergency action plans tailored to specific environments, alongside structured post-incident care incorporating communication, debriefing, and psychological support through the “5Cs” approach. This position statement has been endorsed by the UK Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine, supporting its relevance and alignment with current best practice. By integrating prevention, acute response, and rehabilitation, this work provides actionable guidance to improve athlete safety and promote consistent, high-quality care across diverse sporting contexts.