Sports Club First Aid Kit

Sports fields and courts are undoubtedly a hot spot for injuries that’s why it’s integral that your sports club is equipped with all the right equipment so that when injuries do occur, they can be treated promptly, hygienically and correctly. Here are some first-aid essentials that all sports clubs should have on hand.

Common types of sporting injuries

The types of injuries you can sustain from playing sports are vast however, here are some of the most common ones:

• Ankle sprain – Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, stiffness, and swelling.
• Bruises – Impact or force may result in bruising to the skin.
• Concussion – A concussion is caused by a hit to the head and may be accompanied by unconsciousness. Headache, light-headedness, and short-term memory loss are other symptoms.
• Falls – These are frequently the cause of cuts and abrasions.
• Dehydration – Excessive fluid loss might result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Damage to the teeth – Trauma to the jaw can shatter, break, or displace teeth.
• Groin strain – Muscles in the groin area are overexerted which can cause swelling and pain.
• Hamstring strain – This is much like a groin strain although it’s in the hamstring area. This can cause bruising, swelling, and soreness.
• Knee joint injuries – These present as pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the affected area.
• Nose injuries – Impact can result in nose injuries, such as bloody or broken noses.
• Stress fractures – Especially in the lower extremities. Jumping or sprinting repeatedly on hard surfaces might eventually cause bone stress and fractures.

Why are sporting injuries common?

Most sports are fast-paced and involve moving the body with force and impact and this can result in injury.

An accident, a forceful blow, bad training techniques, moving the wrong way, using faulty equipment, being out of shape, or not warming up and stretching enough can all result in a sports injury. It is typical to sustain head injuries, muscle sprains and strains, ligament and tendon tears, dislocated joints, and shattered bones while playing sports.

Any portion of the body can be harmed on the court or field while playing sports, though the joints tend to be especially prone to sports injuries.

Essential first aid kit items for a sporting club

Disposable gloves

Disposable gloves can be worn when treating another. They help to stop the transmission of bodily fluids from the patient or first aid responder. They can also reduce the risk of infection.

To keep your hands clean, use hand sanitiser both before you apply your gloves and after you have removed them. Washing your hands with soap and water is better but understandably you don’t always have time to do this when first aid measures are needed.

Crepe bandages

Crepe bandages are flexible cotton bandages that can be used to treat a variety of wounds. They can help to cover cuts or minimise swelling at the location of sprains and strains. Additionally, crepe bandages can support a painful joint without the use of safety pins. You can just secure them around the injured area.

Saline pads and solution

Saline solution can be used to flush the eyes or soaked on a pad to cleanse the eye or nose if required. Additionally, you can use them to clean wounds and cuts. The single-use pads are fully safe to use and sterile.

Instant Ice Pack

Perfect for treating bruises, irritated skin, strains, and sprains. An instant ice pack is practical because it provides about 20 minutes of cooling relief and doesn’t require freezing or refrigeration.

Antiseptic solution

An easy way to cleanse a wound or cut and minimise the risk of infection is by applying an antiseptic solution to it. After cleaning the area, a dressing can be applied. Antiseptic solution can also aid in wound healing.

Alcohol Wipes

When you don’t have access to a tap to wash your hands properly, alcohol wipes are the best option for disinfecting your skin. They can also be used to sterilise equipment before using it.

Wound Dressings

Wound dressings can be used to stop minor blood flow and prevents the injury site from infection by keeping it protected from contaminants. Maintain a range of sizes in your sports club first aid supplies australia so you are ready for any situation.

Rescue blanket

Rescue blankets can help to retain body heat and they are particularly beneficial in the treatment of shock and hypothermia.

Adhesive band-aids

Abrasions, cuts and grazes are common so having a selection of adhesive band-aids stocked in your kit is advisable. You should have a variety of these in all different sizes and applications. They can protect minor injuries and prevent infection from occurring.

This is only a few of the essential items that your sports club first aid kit should have. For a comprehensive kit suitable for this setting, head to our website at thefirstaidshop.com.au for more information.

What other first aid requirements are there for sports clubs?

Ideally, the sports club itself would have a qualified first aid representative onsite when games are on. If this is not attainable, it’s a good idea to ensure that members of each team playing at the location has someone who is proficiently trained in first aid and willing to assist if required.

It is always recommended that you seek advice from your state sporting organisation to see what first aid requirements you need to have in place.

A foldable stretcher is a good item to have at a sports club. This can enable first aid responders to move a casualty if needed.

Ensure your sports club first aid kit is regularly replenished

A sports club first aid kit will likely need to be restocked more often than many other types of first aid kits. It is essential a designated person is monitoring the stock levels of the kit often and replenishing it accordingly. It is one thing to have a first aid but if it doesn’t have what you need, it is not going to be much help to the patient.

We hope this post has given you an idea of the importance of a sports club first aid kit. For all your sports club first aid equipment needs, contact us at The First Aid Shop or head to our website.