Treating Injuries

Study Notes

First Aid Treatment

First Aid provides immediate assistance for illness or injury until full medical treatment is available, aiming to preserve life and prevent conditions from worsening.
Key steps in First Aid include assessing the scene for safety, calling emergency services for serious situations, and performing CPR if the person is unresponsive.
Control bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth and elevating the injured area to minimize blood loss.
Treat shock by keeping the person lying down, elevating their legs, and ensuring they remain warm while monitoring their condition.
In sports, injuries may arise from physical demands, inadequate warm-ups, contact and impact, overtraining, external variables, biomechanics issues, and inadequate rehabilitation.

Types of Sports Injuries

Acute Sports Injuries: Sudden injuries that occur from movements or impacts. Examples include:
- Sprains: Ligaments are stretched or torn due to sudden twists, e.g., twisting an ankle.
- Grazes and Cuts: Surface injuries from falls or collisions, e.g., abrasions from sliding.
- Fractures: Broken bones from direct impacts, e.g., a broken arm during a collision.
- Dislocations: Bones forced out of their normal positions, e.g., a dislocated shoulder from a tackle.
Chronic Sports Injuries: Develop over time from overuse, commonly in repetitive sports. Examples include:
- Stress Fractures: Small bone cracks from repeated impact, common in runners.
- Shin Splints: Pain along the shin, often due to overuse or improper footwear.
- Repeated Muscular Strains: Ongoing muscle strain from repetitive actions, seen in swimmers and cyclists.

Responding to Injuries in Sport

Utilize the SALTAPS method for assessing injuries:
- See: Look for visible injury signs like swelling or bruising.
- Ask: Gather information from the athlete about the injury.
- Look: Examine the injured area for abnormalities or changes.
- Touch: Gently palpate the area to gauge tenderness or warmth.
- Active Movement: Ask the athlete to move the area to assess range and pain.
- Passive Movement: Move the injured area to evaluate joint and muscle function.
- Strength Test: Check muscle strength around the injured area.
For severe cases, avoid moving the person and call emergency services immediately.
Use RICER treatment for minor injuries:
- Rest: Avoid aggravating the injury; use crutches or slings if necessary.
- Ice: Apply cold compress for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours for the first 48 hours.
- Compress: Use elastic bandages to reduce swelling while ensuring proper circulation.
- Elevate: Raise the injured area above heart level to minimize swelling.
- Referral: Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Concussion

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury due to sudden impact, leading to temporary brain function disruption, common in sports and accidents.
Symptoms can include headache, dizziness, confusion, and nausea, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

Recognising Concussion

The 6R’s Protocol aids in effective concussion management:
- Recognise: Identify concussion symptoms such as headache and confusion.
- Remove: Take the athlete out of the activity immediately.
- Refer: Get a professional assessment for a tailored treatment plan.
- Rest: Ensure complete physical and cognitive rest for recovery.
- Recover: Follow a structured recovery process to gradually return to activity.
- Return: Allow athletes to resume sport only with medical clearance to ensure complete healing.
Sporting governing bodies may have detailed concussion protocols.

Description

This quiz covers the essentials of first aid treatment, focusing on the immediate assistance provided to individuals suffering from injuries or illnesses. Learn the necessary steps to assess situations, prevent conditions from worsening, and promote recovery. Understanding these basics can help save lives.