UEFA has special requirements for healthcare preparedness during international soccer matches. Read more about the requirements here on the page.
Special UEFA requirements for healthcare preparedness
When a game is played in an international soccer tournament, such as the Premier League or Champions League, UEFA has special requirements for the healthcare preparedness at the stadium where the game will take place.
For example, there is a requirement that an ambulance must be present at the stadium during both training and the actual match. Additionally, a doctor must be present on the sidelines of the field, and there must be a room at the stadium where healthcare personnel can provide treatment if necessary.
Read more about the specific requirements for ambulance, personnel, and treatment room further down on the page.
Requirements for the ambulance
Here is a selection of the UEFA requirements for the ambulance in the stadium:
- The ambulance must comply with international standards
- At least one ambulance operator must man the ambulance
- The ambulance must only be accessible to players, coaches, officials etc
- On board the ambulance there must be a treatment bag containing a transportable oxygen tank and defibrillator in the event that emergency treatment is to be provided outside the pitch
- The ambulance must be on standby somewhere in the stadium where there is quick access to the pitch in the event of an accident
Demand for a doctor on the sidelines
In addition to the requirement for a standby ambulance at the stadium, there are also requirements for personnel and equipment that must be on the sidelines of the pitch. Some of the requirements are:
- That there must be a doctor present
- That a treatment bag with treatment and medical equipment (in addition to the one in the ambulance) must be available
- That there must be a team ready for each team that can carry players off the field on stretchers if necessary
Event Medical Services can provide authorized doctors with specialization in emergency treatment (anaesthesia) and with relevant pre-hospital experience.
Requirements for treatment rooms
UEFA regulations also require that there must be a treatment room close to the players' dressing room and that the room contains the correct equipment and medication for treatment, for example:
- Defibrillator
- Emergency medicine
- Intubation equipment
With Event Medical Services as a collaboration partner, we make sure to provide the right equipment so that all requirements are met.