show you how to treat common sports injuries
In treating common sporting injuries, it is important to understand that firstly, the injury has already happened, so the first aiders job now is to prevent it from becoming worse and to start the healing process which you can learn at a first aid course in Blacktown.
Most sporting events, including children’s, should have qualified first aiders with equipment on site anyway but, if it is you in the park with friends or kids, here is how to handle the more common injuries.
Minor Cuts and Abrasions
These are very common and easily treated as the goal is to stop any bleeding and try to prevent infection.
Clean the wound under running water or use sterile saline wipes from your first aid kits. Pat the wound dry and cover with a moist dressing or adhesive dressing. Be sure to check for
Foreign material in the wound and, for embedded objects, get some medical help instead of pulling it out yourself.
Sprains and Strains
RICE therapy is used to treat mild sprains and strains.
Rest – Rest the injured part. Avoid exercise and reduce movement of the injured part.
Ice – Apply ice or cold pack to the affected area. Don’t apply this directly to the skin, wrap in some type of material.
Compression – use roller bandage to reduce swelling. The aim is to immobilise the injured part to reduce swelling, it does not have to be tight, a crepe bandage can be used for this.
Elevate – Elevate the injured part to reduce pain and swelling.
If in any doubt as to whether the injury could be a fracture or dislocation, immobilise the injured part, use ice or cold pack for pain management, and seek medical advice.
From a minor bump to the head to major trauma, all head injuries are potentially serious.
For soft tissue injuries, bumps and swelling of the skin a cold pack would suffice but, for more substantial head knocks be more vigilant for signs and symptoms. Obviously, if someone has had a loss of consciousness, even for a brief period, this indicates the brain has been shaken inside the skull.
· Sit the person down and hold a cold pack against the injury for any swelling which may be present. (Avoid direct contact with the skin).
· If the person wants to lay down, ensure their head and shoulders are slightly elevated.
·Call 000 for ambulance if the person stats to show any of the signs and symptoms above
Call 000 ask for ambulance immediately if the person:
· Losses consciousness, even briefly
· Increased drowsiness
· Seizures
· Confusion, dizziness, loss of balance and/or loss of memory
· Difficulty walking or speaking
· Persistent head and neck pain
· Vomiting
· Double vision
· Bleeding or fluid from the nose or ears
· Obvious serious wound
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