Medical emergencies are an inherent risk in any sport, transcending boundaries and impacting athletes globally. From a cervical spine injury on the (American) football field to a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) on the soccer pitch or an exertional heat stroke during a high school track meet, the potential for emergencies underscores the importance of preparedness and vigilance at every level and in all sport settings. Despite their varying contexts and levels of medical resources, sports share a common vulnerability to emergencies, emphasising the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard the health and well-being of athletes. Indeed, preparedness is paramount for handling medical emergencies effectively.

To enhance athlete safety at sporting events, we propose the implementation of a pre-event medical meeting, referred to as the ‘medical time out’ (MTO). The objective of the MTO is to gather sports medicine and emergency care personnel prior to a game or competition to review the emergency action plan (EAP) and enhance coordination before an emergency occurs. The aim of this commentary is to highlight key elements of MTO and promote its adoption throughout sport.