| WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW |
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Facemask Removal
A player who has sustained a significant head, neck, or spine injury should have the facemask removed with a special tool while the head is stabilized. The only instances in which an athlete's helmet and/or shoulder pads should be removed is when a medical authority believes it is necessary for the care of the athlete or if the equipment interferes with the rescuers' ability to provide required cpr.
| Caring For Injuries to the Head, Neck, Or Back: |
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Though football players may be prepared to handle hard contact during play, accidents do occur that can cause head, neck, and back injuries. The coach and team need to know how to recognize these injuries and how to stabilize them until professional medical help arrives.
The spine is a strong, flexible column of vertebrae extending from the base of the skull to the tip of the tailbone. It supports the head and trunk while protecting the spinal cord. A coach should suspect a head, neck, or back injury if the player is unconscious after being tackled, the helmet has been broken, or if the player complains of pain or a tingling sensation in the head, neck, or back. With severe injuries, the vertebrae may shift and compress or sever the spinal cord, which can cause temporary or permanent paralysis, even death.
A player with a head, neck, or back injury may have tenderness in the injured area or pain when trying to move. The player may have pain even if he is not touched or does not try to move. He may also have numbness, weakness, tingling in the arms or legs, difficulty breathing, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Other symptoms include: blood or other fluids draining from the ears or nose, heavy external bleeding from the head, impaired breathing or vision as a result of the injury, nausea, vomiting, or persistent headache and bruising of the head, especially around the eyes or behind the ears.
Additional signals of back or neck injuries include seizures in an athlete who does not have a seizure disorder; loss of sensation in the hands, fingers, feet or toes; and partial or complete loss of movement of any body part.
If you suspect that a player has a head, neck, or back injury, tell him not to nod or shake his head when asked questions, but to say yes or no. The goal is to minimize movement. Activate the Emergency Action Plan and follow the emergency action steps, Check-Call-Care. Check the scene for safety and check the injured athlete, Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if needed, and Care for the injured player until EMS personnel arrive.
To care for injuries to the head, neck, and back, first follow basic precautions to prevent disease transmission. Minimize movement of the player's head, neck, and back by putting your hands on both sides of the player's helmet. Remove the facemask if the player displays breathing difficulty, pallor, or diminishing responsiveness. Maintain an open airway using a jaw-thrust maneuver. Have the player remain in the position that you found him until EMS personnel arrive and take over.
The only instance in which an athlete's helmet and shoulder pads should be removed is when a medical authority believes that it is necessary for the care of the athlete, or if the equipment interferes with the rescuers' ability to provide required CPR.
If a player is standing with a suspected head, neck, or back injury, do not have him sit or lie down. Immobilize the player's head by putting your hands on both sides of the head or helmet. If the player complains of dizziness or begins to lose consciousness, slowly lower the player to the ground while keeping his or her head in line with the body. Have the player remain in this position until EMS personnel arrive and take over. If the player appears to be seriously injured, remove the face mask with a special tool to allow access for rescue breathing. Always monitor the player's airway, breathing, and circulation to help prevent damage or further harm.
MORE READING
American National Red Cross. (2001). Emergency response. San Bruno, CA: 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.