Sports Injuries: Preparation and Planning for Prevention

We all want our children, grandchildren and ourselves to have a safe, fun sports experience. It's no fun playing hurt, and it's downright dangerous to do so. But it wouldn't be any fun if there were no risks! So how do we provide the best sports environment and handle injuries that occur? Here are some suggestions:
According to the ACC
"Being able to provide care for an injury requires having knowledge of basic first aid, access to adequate first aid supplies and equipment at all practices and games, and having a basic emergency plan of action outlined in advance.
A well stocked first aid kit (can be obtained at most medical supply houses or sporting goods stores) is a good start.
It should include the following:
- first-aid manual
- sterile gauze
- adhesive tape
- adhesive bandages in several sizes
- elastic bandage
- antiseptic wipes
- eye wash or saline
- disposable instant cold packs
- soap
- antibiotic cream (triple-antibiotic ointment)
- antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
- hydrocortisone cream (1%)
- acetaminophen and ibuprofen
- tweezers
- sharp scissors
- safety pins
- calamine lotion
- alcohol wipes or ethyl alcohol
- plastic gloves
- flashlight and extra batteries
- thermometer
- mouthpiece for administering CPR (from the Red Cross)
- list of emergency phone numbers
- blanket (stored nearby)
- anti-diarrhea medication
- antacid (for upset stomach)
- insect repellent"
Coaches carry first aid kits, but it's a good idea for parents to carry them, too, and to include prescription medications for each child (in their original bottles).
First Aid classes are available at several venues in every community, including the Red Cross.
The Mayo Clinic's website says,
"An emergency plan of action should outline individual responsibilities in the event of an accident or injury: who would provide first aid, who would call 911 if needed, who would meet and direct the paramedics, and who would contact parents if they were not present..."

R.I.C.E is an acronym for the most important elements--REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION--in first aid of contusions, sprains, strains, dislocations or uncomplicated fractures.
REST
Stop ... and rest as soon as you feel an injury. After medical treatment, the injured part may require immobilization with splints or a cast.
ICE
Ice helps stop internal bleeding. Sudden cold causes small blood vessels to contract, speeding healing time. Ice can be safely applied in several ways:
For small area injuries - finger, toe, foot, or wrist - immerse in a bucket of ice water. Ice cubes will keep the water cold.
For larger areas, use ice packs (crushed ice, a disposable "cold-pak", or even a package of frozen vegetables). The pack may sit directly on the injured part, or it may be wrapped in place with a towel, cloth, or one or two layers of an elasticized compression bandage between the ice pack and the skin.
Ice the injured area for about 30 minutes
Remove the ice to allow the skin to warm for 15 minutes. No need to apply extra heat at this point.
Reapply the ice.
Repeat the icing and warming cycles for 3 hours, and follow the instructions below for compression and elevation. If pain and swelling persist after 3 hours, consult your doctor (if you have not already done so). Regular ice treatment is often discontinued after 24 to 48 hours. At that point, heat is often more comfortable.
COMPRESSION
Compression decreases swelling by slowing bleeding and limiting the accumulation of blood and plasma near the injured site:
Use an elasticized bandage (Ace bandage) for compression, if possible. If you do not have one available, any kind of cloth will work for a while. Wrap the injured part firmly, wrapping over the ice, beginning below the injury site and extending above it. Not too tight - signs of impaired circulation include pain, numbness, cramping, and blue or dusky-colored nails.
Remove the compression bandage immediately if too tight. Leave the bandage off until all signs of impaired circulation disappear. Then rewrap the area less tightly.
ELEVATION
Elevating the injured part above the level of the heart is another way to decrease swelling and pain at the injury site. Elevate the iced, compressed area in whatever way is most convenient. Prop an injured leg on solid objects or pillows. Elevate an injured arm by lying down and placing pillows under the arm, or placing them on the chest with the arm folded across. The whole upper part of the body may be elevated gently with pillows, a reclining chair, or by raising the top of the bed on blocks.

Read more:
Be careful when heading a ball. Go to Duckalogue to read about recent research into head injuries and soccer.
Health News: Medical update: key steps in managing sports injuries

In case of an injury, parents who don't know first aid or are themselves injured, should probably get out of the way and let people who DO know do the work on an injured child.
And best of all, PLAY SAFE!

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