This policy document combines the Medical Risk Assessment and Medical Plan and addresses:
- Organisation and infrastructure relating to Medical matters
- Identifiable risks and how these are controlled
- General provisions for Medical care
INFRASTRUCTURE AND ORGANISATION
Access for Emergency Vehicles
Portland Park is accessible by public road from Portland Street and permits direct access for emergency vehicles to the pitch and surroundings.
First Aid Facilities
The First Aid Room is within the Changing Rooms, which is directly accessible from the pitch and spectator areas.
It contains basic First Aid equipment, a Physio Table. There is also a Disabled Toilet located adjacent to the Room.
There is currently a Defibrillator within the Ground, within the bar area.
On Matchdays, an additional Defibrillator will be kept within the Physio’s Medical Bag, including Away Matches.
Organisation and Personnel
Should the Club require a Doctor for any Match (this would be based on discussions with a Match Delegate and the Police) there is an association with a local Doctor who can be available as required.
There is an Announcer present at every Home Match, who is the focal point for co-ordination of messages during the Match. They will make any Safety Announcements and will have immediate access to a telephone to communicate with others including the Emergency Services to ensure expedited Management of any Health and Safety issues or incidents which occur.
IDENTIFIABLE MEDICAL RISKS
Injury to Players
The most likely source of a Medical issue during a Matchday is the injury to Players during the normal course of the Match. This can cover the spectrum of minor injury which is treated pitch side before the Player returns to the game to serious injury requiring immediate intervention and hospitalisation.
Current Arrangements
The Club will ensure that there is a qualified Sports First Aider present at all Matches.
A stretcher is available in the Changing Room which will allow removal of Players from the pitch to the First Aid Room.
The nearest Accident & Emergency Department is located at University Hospital Crosshouse in Kilmarnock which is approximately 23 minutes (11 miles) away under normal traffic conditions. The First Aider looking after an injured player will decide through the Ground Co-ordinator either to arrange transport for a Player to the Hospital for further assessment or to call the Emergency Services if immediate Medical Care is required.
The risk of injury to Players does not vary significantly between normal and major Matches and this assessment applies to all Matches.
Assessment
The current arrangements are satisfactory, but it is recommended that the procedure for removal of the Player from the pitch and deciding for onward transport are rehearsed annually.
Actions Required
Annual rehearsal of arrangements as noted above.
Injury to Spectators
The following risk factors can be considered collectively for assessment purposes:
Fire
There is identifiable risk in the Changing Room, Enclosures and Bar Area. The Enclosures are open with no combustible materials. The risk as assessed is small for the enclosed Buildings areas and negligible for open areas of the Ground.
Structural Failure
The identifiable source of risk is the structure of the Enclosures. These are of Steel and Blockwork Construction and are maintained annually with all non-Galvanised Steelwork being inspected and painted annually to prevent corrosion.
Evacuation
There is negligible risk under normal operating conditions rising to moderate in a situation in a Match with a maximal capacity. This risk is mitigated because (a) unplanned evacuation is extremely unlikely (b) planned orderly evacuation reduces the risk.
General
There is a general risk to spectators from slips, or other accidents. This is controlled by the regular maintenance of the ground.
Current Arrangements
Direct injury from Fire and Structural Failure has been reduced to acceptable levels by the inspection and maintenance required by the Local Authorities. In the unlikely event of a risk of Structural Failure (following a storm or freak weather) this would be controlled by closing off the affected area of the Ground or cancellation of the Match.
Other risks are proportional to the attendance. The club will ensure that there are additional First Aid Staff present for Matches where more than 500 spectators are anticipated. The precise arrangements will be agreed in discussions with the Footballing Authorities (Match Delegate) and / or the Police.
Assessment
Arrangements are considered adequate for all foreseeable risks.
Actions Required
None at present.
Illness
There is general risk of illness whenever there are gatherings of people. There are no identifiable risk factors which suggest that players and spectators at a match are at greater risk of illness except the established risks that can be associated with any situation in which there is potential stress (e.g. heart attacks in those with pre-existing risk factors).
Current Arrangements
Immediate care is the same as for a physical injury. Anyone becoming ill will be made comfortable and the condition assessed by a First Aider or Doctor. In an emergency an ambulance will be called by dialling 101 or 999.
As noted under First Aid Facilities, there is a defibrillator available should anyone require it. These would be used by a qualified First Aider and under guidance from the Emergency Services.
Assessment
Current arrangements are satisfactory.
Actions Required
None at present.
General Medical Provisions
The following personnel must be present at each home match:
- At least 1 qualified Sports First Aider
- The Match Co-Ordinator (or delegated person in his absence) to act as the single point of communication.
Where there is an anticipated attendance of greater than 1200 in addition to the above:
- Attendance by a Doctor is advised
- Additional First Aid provision should be assessed and arranged as necessary
The First Aiders are responsible for checking that the equipment is present and in good order.
The team must be accompanied by a Sports First Aider at all Matches, including all Away Matches.
DOCUMENT CONTROL
All of our safety documents and club policies are subject to mandatory annual reviews.
| Last reviewed on: | 19th June 2025 |
| Next review Date: | 19th June 2026 |