Introduction to Sports First Aid Care

Introduction to Sports First Aid Care

• First aid is temporary and immediate care given to an injured or ill person until professional medical treatment is available.
• First aid does not replace the role of physicians, nurses, or paramedics.
• Activating the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system is critical in cases of serious injury.

Purpose of First Aid (5Ps)

• Preserve life.
• Prevent further harm or worsening of the condition.
• Promote recovery.
• Provide pain relief.
• Provide reassurance.

Principle Aims of First Aid

• Recognize life-threatening situations.
• Activate the EMS system.
• Provide artificial ventilation and circulation.
• Control bleeding.
• Minimize further injury or complications.
• Prevent infections.
• Make the victim as comfortable as possible.

Universal First Aid Procedures

• Observe the scene and ensure it is safe.
• If unsafe, evacuate the site immediately.
• Activate EMS in life-threatening situations.
• Gain access to the victim.
• Provide basic life support, prioritizing those with the most serious injuries first.

Activating the EMS System

• During the first few minutes after an accident, immediately activate the EMS system.
• Provide the dispatcher with the precise location of the incident.
• Give the dispatcher your contact information.
• Provide any details about the victim(s) that can guide the EMS response (e.g. condition, injuries).
• If alone, provide two minutes of life support to the victim(s) before activating EMS if they are unconscious but not in a life-threatening condition.
• If a phone is not available, continue providing first aid until another bystander is able to contact EMS.

Infectious Disease Transmission

• Infectious diseases can spread between people and from animals or the environment.
• All bodily fluids should be treated as potentially infectious.
• Examples of potentially infectious body fluids include saliva, blood, vaginal secretions, semen, amniotic fluid, and fluids lubricating internal organs and joints.
• Symptoms like rashes, open sores, diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, draining wounds, headaches with stiff necks, and yellowing skin may indicate possible infectious diseases.
• Not all patients with infections display visible signs; therefore, avoid contact with all bodily fluids.

Infectious Disease Transmission - How it Spreads

• Droplet infection.
• Blood-to-blood contact.
• Open wounds/exposed tissue.

Diseases of Concern in an Emergency Medical Setting

• Bloodborne diseases:
• Hepatitis B and C: affecting the liver, potentially leading to permanent damage or cancer.
• HIV: suppresses the immune system, progressing to AIDS, which can be fatal.
• Other diseases:
• Herpes: Highly contagious skin and mucous membrane infection.
• Tuberculosis: Severe lung infection.
• Meningitis: Infection of brain and spinal cord membranes.

Protection Against Infection

• Maintain up-to-date immunizations.

• Wear disposable, non-torn/puncture gloves when exposed.

• Always utilize additional protective gear, like masks, eyewear, and gowns.

• Wash hands (thoroughly) after providing care, no matter if gloves were worn or not.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and personal items until after handwashing.

• Cover any injuries or skin conditions with protective clothing or bandages.

• Utilize a pocket mask when administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

• Seek immediate medical attention if exposed to blood or bodily fluids.

• Dispose of contaminated items properly, avoiding reuse.

First Aid Kit Items

• First aid manual
• Triangular bandage
• Sterile water
• Sterile gauze pads
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Band-aids/plasters
• CPR face shield
• Gauze roller bandage
• Safety pins
• Adhesive tape
• Protective gloves
• Antiseptic wipes
• Cold pack
• Yellow lotion
• Calamine lotion

Biomedical Waste Management

• Yellow containers should be utilized for biomedical waste.
• Waste includes human/animal anatomical materials, soiled items, expired medications, chemical waste, body fluids, and clinical waste.

Proper Glove Removal Technique

• Steps outlined in a numbered sequence.

Hand Washing Technique

• Detailed steps in an illustrated sequence.
• Key areas often overlooked during handwashing are highlighted.

Hand Signals and Non-Verbal Communication

• Non-verbal communication is crucial in situations making verbal communication difficult.
• Signals vary among sports/clubs, thus verifying understanding prior to use is vital.

Hand Signals: Specific Scenarios

• Assistance required
• Unconscious athletes
• Athletes not breathing
• Suspected spinal injuries
• Stretcher required
• Removing from play
• Additional first aid supplies needed

This quiz covers essential principles of first aid in sports, focusing on immediate care for injuries until professional help is available. Key concepts include the purpose of first aid, recognizing life-threatening situations, and universal procedures. Test your knowledge on how to effectively respond to emergencies in sports settings.