When can I go on the ice to a hurt player, and do I cover the other team?

Going on the ice (Playing Rules 2026-2028, Rule 2.4):

• Any on-ice official may stop play immediately if they suspect a serious injury (Rule 2.4 (b) Note 1).
• When play is stopped for an injured player (other than a goaltender), that player leaves the ice and cannot return until play has resumed. A player who refuses to leave is penalized for Delay of Game.
• Whenever the trainer or safety person comes onto the ice to attend to a player, the player (excluding a goaltender) is classified as injured and must leave the ice until play resumes (Rule 2.4 (b) Interpretation 1).
• A trainer or safety person may attend to an injured goaltender in the crease without the goaltender having to retire and be replaced by the alternate goaltender, but must first get the referee's permission before leaving the bench and going on the ice (Rule 10.1 (a) Interpretation 9).
• If the referee lets players leave the ice because of a serious injury, play must be ready to resume immediately when the referee notifies them (Rule 2.4 (e)).

The other team: if only one safety person is present at the game, they act as the safety person for both their own team and the opponents (Hockey Canada Safety Program, Safety Person's Responsibilities). Under the Hockey Canada Emergency Action Plan, the game official remains in charge of the overall environment, and once an ambulance is called the officials should send both teams to their dressing rooms.

Sources: https://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Hockey-Programs/Officiating/Downloads/2026-28-hc-rulebook-e.pdf and https://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Hockey-Programs/Safety/Safety-Program/Downloads/safety_persons_responsibilities_e.pdf and https://cdn.hockeycanada.ca/hockey-canada/Hockey-Programs/Safety/Safety-Program/Downloads/eap_organization_form_e.pdf