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A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential piece of equipment for a football team. The kit should contain the basic items needed for appropriate care for emergencies related to playing football. The kit should be able to handle bruises, small cuts, strains, and sprains. First aid kits come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are available commercially. However, a coach or the team's physician can design one that relates to the team's needs.
The suggested checklist details supplies for a first aid kit for athletes. A coach can add and subtract from the kit on the basis of past experiences, local policies, and guidelines. Though ice is not on the list, it is important in caring for minor injuries and should be readily available. Coaches need to arrange for ice to be stored on the grounds.
A first aid kit is a good way to provide assistance to an injured player. However, it should not replace medical attention when needed. If it does not fully address the problem, call for medical assistance. Whether you buy a first aid kit or put one together, be certain to consider the items listed. Check the kit regularly to make sure that it contains all necessary supplies. Replace any items that have expired or been used.
Parents should notify coaches, in writing, that a player may require special medication (inhaler, EpiPen, insulin/sugar, etc). If such medication is needed on hand, it should be brought to the field by the player. It should not be the responsibility of the coach to maintain such medication in the team's first aid kit.
To help injured players at a moment's notice, coaches need to have first aid kits ready and well stocked. Preparing and maintaining a first aid kit is a program necessity.
A generic sports first aid kit can include the following:
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MORE READING
Cvengros, J. (Ed.). (1992). Youth football: A complete handbook. Carmel, Indiana: Cooper Publishing Group. Emergency Response. Boston, Massachusetts: StayWell. American National Red Cross and The United States Olympic Committee. (1997). First aid kit. Sport safety training handbook. San Bruno, California: StayWell.
The evaluation of any athlete, whether as a part of health evaluations prior to activity or as a diagnosis of an injury as the consequence of sports activities, is specific to that individual and the history and current state of the individual presented. Advice, diagnosis and treatment is individualized according to numerous factors, including patient health and age information, medical history and symptoms. All athletes should be cleared by a physician or other appropriate medical professional before engaging in physical activities and, after injury, diagnosis and treatment, for return to play.