First Aid Course: Why First Aid Training Is Important In Contact Sports

There are many different types of situations where a first aid course can be extremely important – overseeing physically intensive contact sports would certainly be one of those. Whether those participating are school students or adults at a club level, it is vital that there are personnel who have completed a first aid course on site. Injuries and accidents can happen very quickly in sports and proper training could make a world of difference for those competing. Let’s get into a few situations where first aid training with EMCARE could make a big difference.

Accidents That Can Occur When Playing Contact Sports

It is always important to make sure that individuals competing in sports events or competitions are adequately protected. In order to ensure this is the case, people who have completed a first aid course should be ready to assist if the need arises. Here are five situations where first aid training could be vital in contact sports:

1. Head Injuries: In physically intensive sports, head injuries can be commonplace. They range from mild concussions to skull fractures and even brain injuries. Those who have completed a first aid course can help to assess the player for signs of a concussion – symptoms often include confusion, headaches, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. In the unfortunate event of a head injury, trained personnel can provide basic first aid, such as checking for signs of blood loss and immobilising the neck and head to prevent further damage. If needed, they will also know to call for professional medical assistance – which is often required with head injuries.
   
   
2. Cardiac-Related Emergencies: When people are engaged in physically strenuous activities, sudden cardiac arrest becomes more of a possibility. Not only can individuals who have completed a first aid course identify the signs of cardiac issues, they can also immediately begin CPR, use an AED, and potentially help to save someone’s life. With heart-related incidents, a fast reaction from people who have completed a first aid course can hugely increase the chances of survival.
   

3. Concussions: In a country where rugby is such a prominent sport, this is especially relevant. Concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury that frequently occurs in contact sports. Personnel armed with the knowledge a first aid course provides can recognise that confusion, dizziness, headaches, and complete loss of consciousness are signs of concussion. They will also be able to monitor the individual in question for changes in behaviour, which may indicate the injury is more severe.
   
   
4. Dislocations and Fractures: These sorts of injuries are extremely common in sports and can result in serious pain and damage if not dealt with correctly. It is important to ensure the injured person is immobilised, that bleeding is being controlled, and that steps are being taken to reduce pain. If necessary, those who have completed first aid courses will be equipped training-wise to understand when more serious medical attention is needed.
   

5. Heat-Related Illness: As our climate is typically warm and heat can get quite extreme on certain days – heat stroke and heat exhaustion are frequent issues in contact sports. Symptoms of these illnesses often include weakness, dizziness, heavy sweating and nausea. Adequately trained individuals will know to remove the player from direct sunlight, provide electrolyte drinks or cold water, and that lowering the player’s body temperature is all very important. If the condition of the competitor does not improve over time then professional assistance is likely necessary.
   

Practice Playing Sports Safely And Emphasise Player Well-Being

In South Africa, we are certainly a sporting nation and enjoy sports at all levels. It is extremely important that those competing are safe and trained personnel are overseeing the game. As you can see from the examples given above, there are multiple scenarios where those who have done a first aid course could potentially save someone’s life – this should not be overlooked.

Perhaps, it is especially relevant when speaking about school sports and junior competitions. It is imperative that children are well protected and there is a heavy emphasis on their safety. Their bodies are naturally more fragile and they are more prone to injury than adults would be. One can never be too safe, especially when those in question are underage. We always suggest completing a first aid course.

First Aid Tips And Tricks That Could Help Someone In Need

In light of promoting a safe sporting environment, we will cover four tips for individuals spectating contact sports. You never know when this type of advice could come in handy. Let’s all do our part to try and guarantee the safety of those who are competing – every little bit of knowledge can make a huge difference in emergency situations.

1. Stay as Calm as Possible: The first, and possibly most crucial step, in any emergency situation – try to remain calm and assess the scenario with a clear head. Individuals who are stressed and panicked will not make rational decisions in the moment. Try to be the voice of reason and keep a level head.
   
   
2. Control Bleeding: If a competitor is bleeding, it is absolutely crucial to try and control the bleeding as quickly as possible. This can be done by applying pressure to the wound with a sanitary cloth or a bandage. If you can tell the bleeding is not slowing, call emergency services immediately.
   
   
3. Protect the Injured Player: If you can see that they are in intense pain or are unconscious – it is important to try and immobilise the affected limb or protect the neck and head. This is vital because many injuries can be worsened by unnecessary movement, and people who have not completed a first aid course likely would not be aware of this.
   
   
4. Monitor the Injured Player: After providing whatever initial first aid is possible, it is a good idea to continuously assess the player for any sudden changes in their condition. Watch out for signs of confusion, worsening pain, dizziness or a complete loss of consciousness. If their condition is clearly deteriorating, contact professionals.