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Sports are exhilarating and exciting, but the thrill comes with a risk – injuries. From the tackles and cramps in the football field to the fractures in cricket, injuries are inevitable. That’s where sports first aid swoops in – your ultimate game-saving playbook. Whether you’re a coach, an athlete, or a fitness enthusiast, knowing the ABCs of first aid can be a game-changer.
Our blog isn’t just about slapping on a bandage; it’s about knowing what to do in moments of crisis. We’ll go over the basic techniques and procedures to tackle everything from sprained ankles to fractures.
Let us first discuss the importance of sports first aid, which goes beyond providing instant pain relief. The goal is to speed up the healing process, reduce the chance of future harm, and ultimately protect the athlete’s health.
So, let’s lace up our shoes, grab our first aid kits, and keep our athletes safe and thriving, both on and off the field.
What is First Aid?
First Aid refers to the immediate medical care provided to someone at the location of an accident or injury. This can involve anything from administering CPR to applying a bandage to a wound.
The individual trained to provide this care is typically called a First Aider and will assume responsibility until professional emergency services arrive.
The objective of First Aid can be summed up into these 5 Points:
- Preserve life
- Protect the unconscious
- Prevent an injury from becoming worse
- Promote recovery
- Procure medical assistance
Emergency First aid kit
These essential items are required for any sport first aider:
- A CPR mask
- Exam/surgical gloves
- Safety pins
- Hand sanitizer
- Petroleum jelly
- Disposable instant cold packs
- Splints
- Triangular bandages
- Elastic bandages in multiple sizes
Wound Care Items
- Sterile gauze pads
- Roll gauze
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic solution
- Adhesive bandages
- Wound pads
- Alcohol wipes
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
Instruments & Tools
- An AED
- Bandage scissors
- Hand mirror
- Tweezers
- Tape, tape underwrap, and tape adherent
Other
- Sunscreen
- Resealable bags
- High-Visibility jacket
- Warning triangle or marker
- Contact lens case
Chain of Survival
The Chain of Survival is a set of quick actions that a Sports First Aider can perform to improve the chances of recovery for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. It’s called a “chain” because each step, though independent, when executed together, can significantly reduce mortality rates in these critical situations.
- Help
Call 999 & ask for emergency medical assistance
- CPR
Perform “rescue breaths” and chest compressions to preserve life AKA CPR
- Defibrillation
Perform a controlled shock from an AED to keep the heart pumping normally
- Advanced Care
Handover to medical professionals to stabilise the casualty
How to perform CPR?
Step 01: Assess the Situation: Check for responsiveness. If the person doesn’t respond, call emergency services immediately.
Step 02: Open the Airway: Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway. Look, listen, and feel for breathing.
Step 03: Perform Chest Compressions: Interlock your fingers and place the heel of one hand on the centre of the person’s chest. Perform 30 compressions at a rate of about 100-120 per minute.
Step 04: Give Rescue Breaths: Pinch the person’s nose, make a seal with your mouth over theirs, and give two rescue breaths. Each breath should last about one second.
Step 05: Repeat Compressions and Breaths: Continue cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
Remember, timing is crucial, aim for roughly 2 minutes per cycle of compressions and breaths, maintaining a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.
What is AED?
“Automated External Defibrillator” (AED) is a term which is frequently used in medical procedures.
An AED is a small, lightweight electronic device that is carried by a first aider to be used onto an unconscious person. It is used to deliver a controlled electric shock to the heart through the chest.
Its purpose is to “correct” or stabilise irregular cardiac activity. Which is usually an abnormal heartbeat or arrhythmia, that can lead to a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Since a SCA needs to be treated right away, anyone with First Aid training—even non-medical professionals—should be able to use the AED.
Despite common belief, an AED cannot “restart” a “dead heart” that has stopped beating for an extended length of time. However, it might “jolt” it back into a regular “rhythm”.
How to use an AED?
AEDs are present in many public places and would certainly be available in most major sports venues. It would be advisable for a Sports First Aider to confirm their location prior to attending any significant event.
Because the equipment is designed with a minimum of training, the whole procedure is mostly automated. The user will be prompted with vocal and visual cues after it measures the condition of the casualty.
Before the AED process starts, the First Aider should:
- Remove the sealing packs on the pads
- Bare the chest of the casualty
- Place one pad on the casualty’s upper right side
- Place the other pad on the left side near the armpit
- The automated process will start
How to deal with common injuries
Cramps
A cramp is an abrupt muscle spasm that can occur in one or multiple muscles, causing sudden and intense pain. While usually not serious, it’s common during sports, often triggered by dehydration from intense activity or loss of essential salts through excessive sweating. Taking regular breaks for hydration and rest can help prevent cramps
Multiple Cramp Treatment
Foot Cramp
- Assist the affected person in putting weight on the front part of the affected foot while providing support.
- Gently stretch the foot to alleviate the spasm, followed by a gentle massage to relieve pain.
Calf Muscle Cramp
- Help the person straighten their leg and support the foot on the affected leg.
- Flex the foot upwards with toes pointing towards the body, then massage to alleviate discomfort.
Cramp in the front or back of the thigh
- Guide the individual to lie down and rest.
- For front thigh cramps, gently raise the affected leg and bend the knee to stretch the muscles.
- For back thigh cramps, keep the affected leg straight.
- Massage the leg after the spasms subside for relief.
Cuts & Grazes
In a wide range of sports, minor abrasions and cuts are likely the most frequent occurring injuries among the sportsmen.
A “cut” is a visible break in the skin. A “graze” is when the skin’s outermost layer is removed by a rough surface, sometimes exposing tiny nerve endings. The most crucial tasks for a first aider in both situations are to clean the wound and prevent any infection.
Treatment to cuts & Grazes
The First Aider should instruct the casualty to apply pressure to bleeding wounds, elevate limbs if necessary, wear disposable gloves, clean the wound with water or antiseptic wipes, apply antiseptic gel, then cover with appropriate dressing for healing.
Additional medical guidance should be seeked if:
- The cut is deep or has jagged edges
- Foreign matter is present in the wound
- The wound is on the casualty’s face
- The wound is from a bite
- The wound shows signs of infection or becomes painful.
The following guidelines also apply, although medical advice should be sought as soon as possible for very deep cuts:
- DO NOT wash a deep cut that extends beyond the surface area as this will encourage excessive bleeding.
- Try to close the wound before Emergency Services arrive by gently pushing the edges together and holding them in place with sterile adhesive strips or “butterfly bandages”
- If it is effective, apply a padded dressing and an antibacterial.
- It is crucial to remember that major cuts require skilled stitching to prevent infection from developing within 6 to 8 hours. till then, keep a tight eye on things.
Sprains & Strains
Sprains and strains are fairly common during sporting activities due to the nature of the injury. A strain entails a direct injury to a muscle or the tissue that connects a muscle to a bone (tendons), whereas a sprain happens when the tissue that joins bones (ligaments) is damaged. They always happen when you overstretch your delicate tissues after intense exercise and they get bruised or torn.
Symptoms shown may include;
- Incapacity to support weight on the leg;
- Extreme “puffiness” or swelling of the joint;
- Severe bruises or red skin;
- Leg weakness;
- Persistent throbbing pain in the limb
Treatment
The First Aider should use the RICE procedure (Rest, Ice, Comfortable, Elevate)
- Assist the victim to rest and support their wounded limb.
- To lessen discomfort and swelling, cool the wounded region with an ice pack or cold pad.
- To avoid uncomfortable movement, the wounded limb should be dressed and bandaged to make it comfortable.
- Elevate the damaged limb high and provide support. Regularly check the circulation and, if necessary, apply additional dressing.
If the pain becomes too intense, or the casualty remains unable to make use of the limb, then professional medical assistance should be immediately sought.
Splinters & Blisters
Outdoor sports activities are typically the source of splinters and blisters, which are more troublesome and painful than serious injuries. However, similar to cuts and grazes, they still require care and cleaning to prevent infection.
A splinter is caused by a piece of material that gets embedded in the skin; it doesn’t have to be wood. A blister will occur on the skin where friction is constant, usually from loose-fitting clothes or footwear—a blister may form and a pocket of protecting fluid will accumulate. The skin will expand and itch continuously, making both wounds visible.
Treatment
The primary concerns in both situations are hygiene and safety::
- Wash and dry the affected area while using disposable gloves.
- Use tweezers to remove the splinter; or
- Apply a sterile bandage or dressing to the blister.
- Keep an eye on infections
Considerations:
-If a splinter cannot be removed, it should be referred to a medical professional
-The blister should never purposefully burst, as this may result in the cause/spread of infected material. If it does burst, the wound needs to be cleansed and re-dressed.
Puncture Wounds
A puncture wound happens when a victim’s skin is punctured by a sharp object. This usually occurs when an athlete trips over a sharp object, runs into machinery, or encounters dangerous conditions while participating in sports.
Although this type of incision may look minor and bleed little, but it should never be taken lightly. Because of this, any puncture wound should be sent to a physician for imaging tests like x-rays.
Treatment
For initial treatment:
- Apply pressure to any bleeding that is excessive.
- DO NOT remove any embedded objects. Just dress and cushion the object around it.
- Attempt to identify the object and keep an eye out for shock in the victim
- Call Emergency Services
Ear Injury
Sports-related injuries can potentially cause harm to a victim’s ears. If an ear begins to bleed, there may have been a violent impact that ruptured the eardrum. Temporary pain, disorientation, and deafness could result from it.
A brain damage may be the cause of a watery discharge from the ear canal, in which case Emergency Services should be notified.
Treatment
-Encourage the casualty to assume a sitting position, with the head tilted to the side of the injury (to drain blood or fluid)
-Hold a clean pad or little bandage to the victim’s ear until they can visit a doctor.
How to Deal with Major Injuries
Neck & Back Injuries
When it comes to neck or back injuries, especially in sports, one of the main worries is what might occur to the victim’s spinal cord.
Since the cord transmits movement commands to the muscles, a severe injury has the potential to result in sudden paralysis.
A first aider should proceed with great caution to keep the victim as still as possible, considering the likelihood of this. It will stop more spinal injury and the potential for a permanent disability
An athlete or sportsperson can suffer a severe injury to their neck or back in several ways:
- Sports-related collisions, such as during football tackles or rugby scrums.
- Diving into shallow water or a small swimming pool.
- Slips and falls on icy or slippery surfaces, especially during outdoor activities.
- Lifting heavy weights with improper form, causing strain on the neck and back muscles.
- Overexertion during physical activities without proper warm-up or stretching, leading to muscle strain in the neck and back.
Treatment for Neck & Back Injuries
The First Aider should:
- Call the Emergency Services right away!
- Retain the victim in the posture that they are in; do not move their head, neck, or back.
- To stop any movement, place blankets or towels rolled up on either side of the head.
- Continuously monitor vital signs and stay with the casualty until Emergency Services arrive; never leave them unattended.
CPR should be given if the victim is unconscious or unresponsive, but only with the utmost care to maintain the victim’s spine and back as still as possible. The Recovery Position can be applied but be sure to roll the victim over gently and maintain them in a straight line.
Ankle & Foot Injuries
There will inevitably be excruciating injuries in any sport that involves running or bearing weight on the feet, such as a twisted joint or a fractured ankle or foot.
The first aider can apply the RICE procedure to treat a casualty’s ankle if it was severely injured as a result of a stumble or accident.
A supportive dressing should be applied to the wound. Take the casualty to a hospital as quickly as possible; you should always consider the possibility of a bone fracture.
Treatment
- Assist the victim to lying down, elevate the leg, tend to any wounds, and bandage them.
- Before the foot or leg begins to swell, take off any shoes and socks.
- After applying an ice pack or cold compress to the wound, bandage it securely.
The circulation should be continually checked, and the casualty taken to a hospital for additional care and an x-ray.
Pelvic Injuries
Elderly victims are frequently associated with pelvic injuries, most notably hip fractures. However, in contact sports like football, hockey, or skiing, this “ring of bone” that supports the upper body is more vulnerable to injury. In rare instances, the stress of running can even result in fractures.
On the other hand, a severe fracture might result in severe shock and significant issues with the kidneys and other organs nearby. Even in cases where there are no obvious wounds on the outside, it might result in a serious state of shock and potentially fatal circumstances.
Any casualty with injuries to this area is unlikely to be able to stand without help. It also presents an additional scenario in which any excessive movement could result in more severe and permanent harm. All efforts should be taken to keep the casualty calm and still since it can cause them great distress and pain.
Some of the more severe symptoms associated with this injury can include;
- Bleeding from the genitals
- Severe abdominal pain
- Numbness or constant “tingling” from the lower-body area
- Difficulty passing water
Treatment
- Help the victim to lie down, making sure they remain flat and upright.
- Place comfortable padding between the ankles and knees
- Tie the legs together with triangle bandages to keep them motionless.
- Verify that emergency services are en route.
- Do NOT leave the legs in a raised state
Avoid continuing if the victim is in excruciating discomfort while having their legs wrapped together. Just wait for assistance with the legs still and padded..
Fractures
A fracture is a break or split in a bone that typically affects the long bones in the arms and legs, particularly while playing team or contact sports.
There are two main types of fracture:
Closed – The injury to the bone has NOT broken the surface of the skin, although there may be internal bleeding
Open – The injury has caused the bone to pierce the skin, or a large wound bares the bone. This type of fracture is extremely prone to infection
Closed Fracture
Treatment
1. Maintain the victim’s composure and stillness while using their hands to support the damaged region.
2. Wrap or bandage the wounded region to immobilize it.
- Apply a sling to an injured arm and secure it to the unaffected part of the body.
- Secure an injured leg to the unaffected leg
3. To better protect the wound during transit, apply more padding around the area.
4. Loosen bandages if the injury becomes uncomfortable
5. Ensure the victim is transported to a medical facility.
Open Fracture
Treatment:
- Use a clean pad or sterile dressing to cover the exposed wound. Don’t press straight onto the bone when applying pressure to stop bleeding.
- Apply another sterile dressing to the wound (The priority here is to keep the wound clean and protected from infection)
- Use extra padding and bandaging to firmly secure the dressing.
- Immobilise the damaged limb (following the guidelines for closed fracture treatment).
- Secure transport to a hospital
Dislocations
A dislocation is a type of joint injury in which the bone has been pushed, at least partially, out of its socket by a powerful force. A limb may inadvertently be placed into an abnormal position during a sporting event due to collision or an unintentional fall. Any limb or joint may be impacted, and it can be an extremely painful injury.
Some of the more obvious signs of dislocation can be seen or felt in the injured limb itself, such as:
- Severe and sharp pain
- Abnormal angulation of the limb
- Inability to move or support the injured limb
- Crepitus (disturbing cracking or scraping sound)
- Large swellings of the joint
- Ongoing tenderness and “floating” feeling exhibited in the injured limb
Treatment
1. Assist the victim and ensure their comfort
- With an arm injury. place the arm in a sling
- When you have a leg injury, dress as comfortable and appropriate
2. After applying a sterile dressing to any more wounds, transport the victim to the hospital.
NEVER attempt to replace the bone into the socket.
Environmental Injuries
Cold Injuries
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, the most severe stage of cold injury, can follow Frostbite if not adequately treated. It occurs when the body’s core temperature drops and is particularly worsened by water and snow activities. Symptoms arise below 95°F (35°C), with moderate hypothermia below 90°F (32°C) and severe below 82°F (28°C).
Initial signs include shivering and coordination loss, progressing to stiffness and unresponsiveness, with shivering ceasing in advanced stages, leading to a comatose state.
Treatment
- Transfer the victim to a warm, dry area.
- If in a remote area Contact Emergency Services immediately
- Remove any wet or cold clothing
- Serve them sugar-high food and warm beverages.
- Wrap them up tightly in warm blankets and layers of clothing.
- If available, use bottles of hot water.
- Use CPR and the Recovery Position if appropriate
- Transfer the victim as soon as you can to medical professionals.
Heat Injuries
Participating in strenuous sports during warm weather can quickly cause an unaware player to become overheated and more vulnerable to heat-related injuries.
Sunburn
This excruciating condition is brought on by excessive sun exposure and is brought on by invisible UV (ultra violet) radiation. On cloudy days, it’s simple not to recognize how strong the sun is, yet UV radiation can cause superficial skin tissue damage in any climate.
If left untreated, it commonly manifests as red, blistering skin and can result in more severe heat-related ailments.
Treatment
- After covering the burned skin with a towel or light clothing, take them to a cooler location.
- Encourage the casualty to drink plenty of cold water and and apply some to the injured region. If possible, a cool bath or shower can be recommended
- Calamine lotion and medicinal gel are effective treatments for mild burns.
- Severe blisters on the skin should be covered and presented to medical experts.
- As long as the symptoms remain, the victim should stay out of the direct sunlight.
Dehydration
Severe dehydration can result in more dangerous symptoms, such as heat exhaustion and coma, but mild dehydration can still induce cramping.
When a person loses 1% of their body weight in liquid, usually sweat, the symptoms may begin. To put this into context, on a reasonably warm day, 2 to 6 percent can be lost when participating in sports. The body will react with headaches, cramps, and a dry mouth, eyes, and skin if that liquid is not quickly replaced.
Treatment
- Give the victim lots of liquids or oral rehydration treatments (for lost salt)
- Encourage them to stretch to relieve cramp and rest for a substantial period
- Keep an eye out for any changes in the victim’s status.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke can develop in athletes and individuals when their internal temperature regulation system malfunctions, leading to confusion in brain signals and an inability to regulate body temperature.
This can cause a dangerous increase in body temperature, potentially risking organ failure. Recognizable signs include elevated vital signs, dry skin, and severe confusion. Immediate “Active Cooling” is crucial, alongside contacting Emergency Services.
Treatment
1. After dialing 999, take the casualty to a cool, protected location.
2. Remove any excess clothing or sports equipment
3. Try to cool the casualty with cool water and ice packs in the armpit and groin areas
4. If possible, wrap them in a cool, damp sheet.
5. Encourage the casualty to consume cool water as long as they are conscious.
- Place them in the Recovery Position if they pass out.
6. Be prepared to perform CPR if necessary
Do not “cool” the casualty to the point that they shiver or become in danger of contracting hyperthermia.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion arises from dehydration and significant loss of salt and fluids from the body, particularly common in athletes who exert themselves intensely during sports without recognizing the risk of overheating.
If it is untreated, it can progress to heatstroke, a potentially fatal condition. Symptoms include pallor, clamminess, nausea, and accelerated vital signs.
Treatment
- Place the victim on a shaded surface and lie them down
- Raise their legs to promote healing and circulation.
- Give them something to drink; isotonic beverages or rehydration salts will offer them the best chance of recovering rapidly.
- Monitor their vital signs, and contact 999 if there is no change in their condition after time passes
Medical Emergency
Heart Attack
Heart attacks are often mistakenly thought to only affect the overweight and elderly, but this isn’t true. Young people and athletes can also experience them, sometimes during vigorous exercise.
It’s crucial for First Aiders to understand what a heart attack is: it occurs when a blockage in an artery interrupts blood flow to the heart, causing injury. It’s distinct from cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating and breathing ceases.
A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest, but not the other way around. Arteries can become blocked due to fatty deposits or blood clotting. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, the muscle is starved of oxygen, leading to tissue damage. Understanding these differences can help save lives.
These symptoms will then start to be exhibited by the casualty:
- Crushing chest pain that spreads all over the body
- Shortness of breath
- Uncontrollable sweating
- Increased vital signs
- Pale skin and nausea
Medical practitioners should remove the blockage as quickly as possible from the person experiencing an attack.
Treatment
- Immediately call Emergency Services
- Adjust the victim to a comfortable position and undo any tight protective gear or clothing.
- If it’s possible, give them a 325 mg aspirin tablet, as this can dissolve blood clots.
- Be ready to perform CPR if necessary.
- Keep an eye on the victim’s vital signs until medical assistance arrives.
Stroke
Surprisingly enough, a “stroke” is the brain’s counterpart of a heart attack, which is why it’s frequently referred to as a “brain attack”. When the blood supply to the brain is cut off, the brain’s cells begin to die, which leads to a stroke.
Some cardiologists think that in some circumstances, sudden severe physical activity or participation in sports can cause a stroke.
There are two types of stroke:
- Ischemic stroke – This is the most common form of stroke. When a clot develops in the blood veins that feed the brain, the brain essentially “starves” and begins to “die”. The clot must be removed and the blood supply must be restored by medical specialists.
- Haemorrhagic stroke – This happens when there is internal bleeding, which enlarges the brain and kills brain cells. Medical personnel must release the pressure in order to prevent a fatality.
Symptoms A common way to recall stroke symptoms is by using the acronym FAST:
- Face-A casualty’s face usually droops considerably to one side.
- Arms – The victim will struggle to lift both arms when instructed to do so.
- Speech – The casualty will start to slur their words and become unresponsive
- Time – If the casualty is experiencing any of these symptoms; it is TIME to call Emergency Services
Treatment
- As soon as someone thinks a stroke is occurring, they should call 999.
- Place the casualty into a comfortable position
- Keep a record of the symptoms and record the time of any changes. These will be crucial for medical professionals treating the casualty at hospital
- Until emergency services come, keep an eye on your vital signs.
Food and liquids should not be given to the victim since they may lose control of their swallowing during a stroke.
Asthma Attack
Asthma is a prevalent condition in the UK, affecting approximately 1 in 11 to 12 people. This chronic ailment impacts the air passages, causing them to narrow and leading to breathing difficulties.
Asthma attacks are triggered by environmental changes or substances like smoke, heat, or pollen, which prompt the body to react internally, hindering normal breathing.
Asthma can affect anyone regardless of age or fitness level. Recognizing symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and skin discoloration is crucial for First Aiders in providing assistance to those experiencing an asthma episode.
Treatment
- Check to see if the casualty has personal medication (usually an inhaler) and help them take it
- Stay calm and keep an eye on their vital signs.
- Call 999 immediately if;
- Their condition doesn’t get better after taking medicine.
- The patient has lost their prescription.
- There is enough of an attack to worry for their safety.
Seizures
Seizures are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain, causing individuals to lose responsiveness and sometimes experience limb jerking.
While commonly associated with epilepsy, they can also be triggered by head injuries or fevers, possibly occurring during sports or exercise. It’s crucial to stay calm during a seizure, as they typically last only about two minutes.
However, seizures lasting longer than five minutes require urgent medical attention for evaluation. Understanding these episodes and how to respond calmly can make a significant difference in managing them effectively
Treatment
- Place the victim on a flat surface and use a towel or rolled-up clothes as a “cushion” for the victim’s head.
- Give the victim full movement, but tilt their head to one side to allow for free breathing.
- Take off any constrictive sports gear or tight apparel.
- Stay with them casually until they become responsive again
Important: Never try to restrain a casualty by placing something in their mouth to “bite down onto” or apply pressure. These behaviours DO NOT qualify as First Aid measures during a seizure.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through sports first aid, remember this: being prepared is half the battle won. All the information that you just read has given you the knowledge required to tackle any injury head-on.
Moreover, it’s also about embodying the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie, standing ready to lend a helping hand when your fellow athletes need it most.
So, let’s stay on the lookout, stay proactive, and above all, ensure people are safe out there!
