First Aid for Sports Injuries
Indeed, injuries are an integral part of Sports. Every sport has its own set of risks, and getting injured is something very common among sportspeople. Keeping this in mind, it is important to know that even small injuries, when ignored, can lead to lasting damage. Thus first-aid plays a big role in keeping such complications at bay.
A well-stocked first aid kit can go a long way in swiftly responding to an accident or injury. The contents of an athlete’s first-aid kit usually vary according to the type of sport, location, season, medical history etc. However, every first aid kit must contain the following: analgesic (pain reliever), antibiotic ointment, antacid, antihistamine, decongestant, hydrocortisone cream, antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide, adhesive bandages, elastic bandages/safety pins, adhesive tape, gauze pads, tweezers, thermometer, alcohol wipes, disinfectant, instant cold packs, sunscreen, matches, latex gloves, prescription medications, eye drops or eye wash solutions, emergency phone numbers, insect repellent, flashlight/batteries, splints, army knife, and iodine water purification tablets.
Soft Tissue Injury
The first aid treatment for acute injuries is R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation).
- Rest prevents further injury and allows healing process to begin.
- Ice stops swelling by constricting injured blood vessels. The cold also eases pain and swelling. However, since ice packs can stop blood flow, they shouldn’t be used for too long (more than half an hour).
- Compression further restricts the swelling and also supports the injured joint. If the injured area has a little fat or muscle beneath the skin (for example a toe), then the compression should be released after about 10 minutes.
- Elevation reduce swelling by limiting blood flow (due to gravity).
R.I.C.E. should be done as soon as possible. The skin should be protected with a sheet when the ice is applied. Once the swelling decreases, one can begin gentle movements of the injured area.
Abrasions
Abrasions on the injured area can easily catch infections, and so should be cleaned thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. First, nontoxic surfactant should be used to wash off the area. A little pressure can be applied (use a syringe if possible). Then, a semi-permeable dressing (Tegaderm, Bioclusive or Second Skin) should be used to cover the wound. This dressing should be changed every few days. A moist environment promotes healing, improves tissue formation and protects the area from infection. Lastly, it is advisable for an athlete to get a tetanus shot, to ward off further possibility of infections.
Muscle Cramps
Cramps usually heal on their own, but if one needs to speed up the process, then first, the activity that caused the cramp must be stopped. Then, gently stretch and massage the cramped muscle and hold until the cramp stops.
CPR
CPR is a lifesaving first-aid procedure used when a victim’s breathing or heartbeats stop due to certain accidents like electrocution, drowning, or even heart attack. CPR is a combination of rescue breathing - which provides oxygen to the victim’s lungs - and chest compressions - which maintains the blood circulation. If CPR is not performed, it can lead to permanent brain damage or even death within minutes. The procedure is as follows:
- Cover victim’s mouth tightly with your mouth.
- Pinch and close the victim’s nose.
- Keep the chin lifted and head tilted.
- Giving 2 rescue breaths. Each breath should take about a second.
- Place the heel of your left hands on the breastbone and between the nipples.
- Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand and position your body right above the victim’s body.
- Give about 30 quick chest compressions (2 inches into the chest).
- Give the person 2 more breaths- chest should rise.
- Continue CPR until the person recovers or help arrives.