Waiting until an injury to occur during athletic competition is not exactly the best time to be fumbling for or looking for first aid items. Being able to treat an athlete immediately is one of the greatest opportunities to ensure a healthy outcome from injury. Having a fully stocked first aid kit will help youth football coaches safely treat these injuries and return an athlete to the playing field.
Necessary items to be stored in a first aid kit on the sidelines should include wound care items that are easily visible and accessible to coaches and all other support staff. Hopefully first aid kits do not see much action throughout the season, but if a situation ever arises where it is needed, being prepared will really come in handy.
Ideally, a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) would be on-site as well and can provide the following items.
First aid kit materials to have on the sidelines:
*Antibiotic ointment packs
*Antiseptic cleansing wipes (prefer no sting)
*Hydrocortisone pack
*Hand sanitizer packs
*Assortment of bandages (if available - knuckle, finger, round, square, big)
*Alcohol pads
*3"x 3" gauze pads
*4"x 4" gauze pads
*Sterile gauze pads (variety of sizes)
*Tongue depressor
*Cotton-tip applicator
*Peroxide (best put in a squeeze bottle, can be used to take blood off a uniform)
*Biohazard bag
*Latex-free gloves
*2" stretch tape (1-2 rolls)
*1.5" white tape (1-2 rolls)
If there is no athletic trainer available, include the following additional items:
*Tweezers
*Scissors
*CPR one-way valve mask shield
*Triangular sling
*Medicine - Tylenol or Advil (need parental consent if administering to minor) and Benadryl
