How to Be the Sports Medic Every Client Wants: 5 Keys to 5-stars

When covering sporting events, being a great sports medic requires more than just medical expertise—it’s about embodying the values and behaviors that athletic directors, tournament organizers, and event managers prioritize. These five key areas will help you earn 5-stars on your next client review and get you to become the go-to professional clients request at every event.

1: Proactive Engagement

Be visible and approachable

A common mistake many medics working with other companies make is passiveness. It can be tempting for medics to sit back at a table, scrolling on your phone or watching the next episode of your favorite show. Clients want medics who are actively engaged, visible, and monitoring games closely. A proactive presence reassures everyone that safety is a priority and builds trust with event staff and participants.

How to Deliver:

Move around the venue. Avoid remaining in one spot for the entire shift duration.

Monitor the game actively and stay attentive to players. Oftentimes you can watch an injury as it arises during play and prevent further harm by being proactive with care.

Initiate friendly and professional interactions with coaches, referees, athletes, and parents during breaks. These people may not be signing your paycheck, but it’s always best to be known as the friendly outgoing medic at every game. Also, keep in mind that many families will travel between schools, tournaments, and events, chances are you will see them time and time again.

Smith EMS Core Value: Do More - Exceed expectations at every turn; deliver beyond requirements. Application: By being actively engaged and consistently monitoring the environment, you go beyond simply being present and truly delver exceptional service that stands out to clients.

2: Swift response

Time Matters

Although prevention is a key part of your role as a sports medic, at a certain point, some injuries are unpreventable. With this in mind, when injuries occur, every second counts. Tournament directors, athletic directors, and event managers expect medics to respond immediately, ensuring that players receive timely care and return to play when safe to do so.

How to Deliver:

Familiarize yourself with the venue layout ahead of time. Smith EMS medics arrive 30 minutes before game time to assure you are able to do this in addition to other setup tasks.

Position yourself strategically to cover high-risk areas. When working just one game, be central to that court/field/rink. For example, Smith EMS recommends you to work a penalty box when covering one sheet of ice. If covering many fields/courts/rinks, consider each individual access points and identify a central location that’s both visible and accessible.

Carry essential supplies on you. Nothing looks worse than a medic that walks away from an injury in order to grab a response bag, or other equipment. Be prepared and keep essentials on you so that you can initiate care at any moment.

Client Perspective: Faster response times demonstrate professionalism and make event organizers feel confident they’ve chosen the right event EMS team.

Example: During a high-stakes district 3 hockey playoff game, a Smith EMS medic reached an injured player within 15 seconds, stabilizing the player and ensuring minimal player disruption by positioning himself in the penalty box and having key gear on him ready to go.

Smith EMS Core Value: Do More - Exceed expectations at every turn; deliver beyond requirements. Application: Responding with swiftness shows clients that you don’t just meet the bare requirements—you exceed them by prioritizing timeliness and care in every situation.

3: Clear Communication

Keep everyone informed

From stressful emergencies to regular tasks, communication can make or break an experience for a client. Our partners appreciate medics who can explain positioning, accessibility, and other medical/emergency plans clearly to players, coaches, parents, and site contacts. Effective communication not only builds trust but also prevents misunderstandings and unnecessary panic.

How to Deliver:

Prioritize rapport-building with patients, parents, coaches, and staff. The more you are communicating pre-injury, the better likelihood you have of a positive response to your care decisions.

Use simple, non-technical language when explaining injuries.

Provide brief updates to coaches with relevant information on whether their player will be able to return to play, and any other notable information.

Stay calm and collected, even when others may be anxious and unsure.

Client Perspective: Clear communication reassures clients that you can handle any injuries that arise during their game or event.

Example: After a player went down on the court, a Smith EMS medic rapidly responded and met him there. He introduced himself and assessed the player, helping him to the bench. After making the decision to have the player work on brief rehab steps, he spoke to the coach noting that the player would be out until the end of the period, and offered to answer any questions the coach had.

Smith EMS Core Value: Lead Empathy - Understand others deeply; let compassion guide action. Application: By listening carefully and explaining situations or reasoning in an empathetic manner, you address the concerns of all stakeholders while maintaining calm and professionalism.

4: Professional Appearance

Reflect Excellence

Your appearance may be the first thing a client notices as you arrive to their game. A sports medic in a clean, Smith EMS uniform signals professionalism and reliability, while a medic without proper attire can easily be mistaken for a fan or spectator.

How to Deliver:

Wear a clean, well-fitted uniform with Smith EMS branding.

Maintain good posture and body language to continually project confidence.

Ensure your equipment is clean and well-organized. This includes your space and onsite medical setup.

Client Perspective: Athletic directors, tournament directors, and event managers are reassured when they see medics who clearly look the part. It sets the tone for how they receive your competence within your role and aids in a good first-impression.

Example: A medic at a recent 5K run was praised by an event organizer for their professional appearance, allowing participants and staff to clearly recognize medical personnel and be confident help is around.

Smith EMS Core Value: People Matter - Build real relationships; value every interaction. Application: A polished, professional appearance demonstrates respect for the client, their event, and their players. Valuing how you present yourself reflects how much you value those you serve.

5: Embrace the Event

Be Part of the Team

More often than not, clients don’t just want medics that show up, sit around, then leave—they want professionals who immerse themselves in the game environment by collaborating with coaches, referees, and staff to enhance the overall experience. When you show you care about the success of an event, it leaves a lasting impression.

How to Deliver:

Offer assistance beyond medical duties, such as helping with event operations or providing pre-game warm-up guidance. I like to find ways to identify tasks that are repeatedly done, then offer to assist with them in the future.

Build relationships with key staff by checking in throughout the event.

Show enthusiasm for the games or matches to demonstrate you are interested in the game’s success.

Client Perspective: When medics engage with the event as true team players, clients feel supported and confident that their event is in good hands.

Example: A Smith EMS medic time and time again has recieved praise for simply moving the ball cart to and from the court sidelines for game warm-ups and half time. The athletic director at the school appreciates the medic noticing a monotonous task that’s easy for the medic to take on.

Smith EMS Core Value: Embrace Competition - Enjoy the game; value all levels of play. Application: By embracing the spirit of the game and contributing wherever possible, you enhance the atmosphere of athletics. Additionally, you demonstrate that you are there to help everyone succeed, not just to handle injuries.

Why these qualities matter to clients

Athletic directors, tournament organizers, and event managers aren’t just looking for medics to handle emergencies—they want professionals who contribute to the overall success of their event. When medics are proactive, responsive, communicative, professional, and engaged with the event, it reflects positively on the event itself. Your goal as a medic should be more than showing up, doing your role, and leaving, you should aim to serve and make a real positive difference at each shift.

Quote from a Tournament Director: “The difference between an average medic and a great one is visibility and engagement. When medics are part of the action, they make my job easier and enhance the experience for everyone involved.”

The Takeaway

Being a sports medic isn’t just about providing medical care—it’s about delivering an experience that exceeds client expectations. By focusing on these five areas, you can earn 5-star ratings, become the medic every client requests, and contribute to safer, more successful events. Best of luck in your sporting event medical coverage career and reach out with any questions anytime!

Signed, Sports Medic Sam

Reach out at sam@smithems.com!