Responding to Injuries and Medical Conditions in a Sporting Context

Responding to Injuries and Medical Conditions in a Sporting Context

Responding to Injuries in a Sporting Context

Identifying Potential Injuries

  • First aid trained staff are crucial in any sporting context to promptly identify and respond to potential injuries.
  • The nature and severity of the injury should be rapidly assessed to inform further action including seeking professional medical attention if needed.
  • The type of sport activity will largely determine the most likely injuries to occur, but common sport injuries include sprains, strains, fractures and concussions.

Primary and Secondary Survey

  • When an injury occurs, a primary and secondary survey should be conducted. Primary survey is a quick scan to identify any life-threatening injuries.
  • Secondary survey is a more thorough examination to identify less immediately threatening injuries and can include checking for pain, swelling, deformity and reduced mobility.

The “RICE” Protocol

  • The RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is the first line response to many soft tissue injuries.
  • While this doesn’t replace a medical assessment, it can be started prior to one and may contribute to the recovery of the injured athlete.

Recognising and Responding to Medical Conditions in a Sporting Context

Recognising Medical Conditions

  • Sports personnel are not expected to diagnose medical conditions, but to recognise signs and symptoms which may indicate a condition is present.
  • Such symptoms may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, changes in skin colour or posture.

Asthma

  • Asthma attacks are a common medical situation in sports. It is important to help the individual use their inhaler and to encourage calm, measured breathing until the symptoms subside.

Diabetes

  • Diabetic athletes may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) due to extended physical activity. It is important to provide them with a form of quick acting sugar like juice or a glucose gel.

Heat Stroke and Hypothermia

  • Athletes performing in extreme hot or cold conditions can be at risk of heat stroke or hypothermia respectively. The responding person should move the athlete to a cooler or warmer place correspondingly and seek immediate medical attention.

Cardiac Emergencies

  • Cardiac emergencies, though rare, may occur. Early recognition and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) alongside early defibrillation can vastly improve survival rates.

Concussion

  • Concussion is a common injury in contact sports. Athletes suspected of having a concussion should be immediately, carefully removed from play, and not allowed to return until medically cleared.

Safe Return to Play

  • It is important to ensure a safe return to play protocol is in place to prevent unnecessary further risk to the athlete.
  • This usually involves clearance from a healthcare professional, a graded return to sport, and possibly tailored rehabilitation exercises.