First Aid
Accidents happen and First Aid is all part and parcel of sport. Here's a basic check list:
✔️ Ideally, a qualified first aider should be available at all club training sessions and events
✔️ There should be at least one first aid kit at every training session or event
✔️ Clubs should encourage members, coaches and/or volunteers to attend a first aid training course
✔️ First aid training courses typically cost around £30 and there are a number available. Contact your National Governing Body in the first instance as they may have access to courses; other training providers include the British Red Cross and St John Ambulance
✔️ Keep an Incident Report Form up to date and record any accidents. We have a template for you here
First Aid hints and tips
- A first aid kit should not be a bag that carries all sorts of potions and lotions - it should be practical, easy to carry, clean and organised for easy access in an emergency.
The following is an example list of equipment to be included:
- Protective gloves (kept in a clean plastic bag).
- Resuscitator face mask
- Crepe bandages (various sizes)
- Triangular bandages
- Sterile dressings (pads and bandages) various sizes
- Gauze swabs
- Individual antiseptic wipes
- Ice packs
- Plasters various sizes (see notes on cuts)
- Cotton wool (roll of)
- Cotton wool swabs
- Spray bottle with clean water
If you are going to include the following be aware of the usage:
Cold Sprays: Use as described on the instructions. It is not a cure. It simply relieves the pain by numbing the area. A player should refrain from playing if normal actions are impaired.
Heat Sprays or Rubs: Use as directed on can or tube. Heat applied to fresh injuries will induce further swelling and therefore increase the problem. They do not work as a pre match warm up – this needs to be done physically as demonstrated on coaching courses.
Vaseline: Keep the lid on when not in use - think of contamination and infection.
Scissors: If you include scissors, make sure they are of the bull nose variety and are kept clean at all times. Keep in a plastic bag when not in use.
Paracetamol and Aspirin: These are not part of a recommended first aid kit. You are not at liberty to administer such medication to a player. However, if a player asks you to look after their own medication please be careful to identify who it belongs to. i.e. asthma pumps.
- When using ice on an injury always wrap it in a clean cloth or towel before applying to avoid ice burns.
- Encourage players to bring their own water bottles to avoid spreading potential infections
- Discourage fizzy drinks, tea, coffee and alcohol before, during and directly after activity.
- In hot weather never give salt tablets or similar items to players
- *Ensure access to a phone (mobile or land line) and have appropriate telephone numbers available.
- *If in doubt call 999 for ambulance.
- Advise players not to chew chewing gum during physical activity - this will help to avoid any choking problems.
- DON’T use a sponge and bucket! When you use one sponge on several people you transfer germs from person to person. Even in the case of a bump or bruise the player may have an old cut or break in the skin by which these germs can enter the body and cause infection.
- The most hygienic way of treating an injury on the field is to have a sealed spray jet bottle of water with you.