First aid for sports injuries
Sports are a very exciting and adventurous affair, which brings joy and physical strength to our lives. As we all know that sports and injuries go hand in hand and knowledge to treat oneself during accidents becomes paramount.
We have handpicked 5 most common sports injuries and their first aid.
- Sprains, strains, and joint injuries
- Nose bleeds
- Knocked-out teeth
- Bleeding wounds
- Fractures
- First aid for sprains, strains and joint injuries
strain and a sprain occur due to abnormal stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon. Symptoms include pain, swelling and bruising.
- Rest: Rest the injured part to restrict movements
- Ice: Apply cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes for 3 to 4 times
- Compress: Compress the injured part by an elastic bandage for min 48 hours
- Elevate: Elevate the injured part above the heart level
- In case of serious injury or if the pain doesn’t’ come down after 48 hours, seek medical advice
- Nose bleed
Nose bleeding occurs due to bleeding from blood vessels in the nose. Caused due to minor injuries or drying of the nasal membrane
- Lean the casualty forward
- Pinch the soft part of the nose for at least 10 minutes, breath from mouth
- Reapply the pressure for 10 more minutes if bleed doesn’t stop
- If bleeding doesn’t stop after 20 minutes, seek medical advice
- Knocked-out teeth
Knocked-out teeth are a very common scenario in which the one or multiple teeth gets fell out of their sockets due to an impact caused by an injury or an accident
- Pick up the knocked out tooth without touching the root
- Gently wash the tooth in clean water
- Put the tooth back in its socket immediately.
- Keep the tooth moist all the time
- See a Dentist within 30 minutes
- Minor Bleeding wounds
Minor wounds occur when there is cut or graze on the skin. Symptoms include pain, swelling and the red area around the wound.
- Stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure on the wound using a clean cloth ( use gloves for protection )
- Elevate the wound above the heart level
- Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound with running water or antiseptic wipes
- Apply an antibiotic ointment, cover the wound with a sterile dressing and apply a bandage if required
- Seek medical advice if there is a risk of infection
- Fractures
A fracture occurs due to a broken bone. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and irregularities.
- Call an ambulance in case of serious injuries
- support fractured part with a splint
- Apply sling to reduce movements, in case of dislocation
- Stop the bleeding and cover the wound with sterile dressing in case of open fracture
- Reassure and monitor the casualty
Prevention of sports injuries
- Warm-up thoroughly
- Wear appropriate footwear.
- Tape joints, if necessary.
- Use mouth guards, helmets and pads if your sport demands it.
- Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after the game.
- Cross-train with other sports to ensure overall fitness and muscle strength.
- Don’t exert yourself beyond your level of fitness. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of training.
- Use good form and technique.
- Cool down after sport with gentle sustained stretches.
- Allow adequate recovery time between sessions.
- Have regular medical check-ups.
If you’re an athlete you should always keep an eye on safety, if you go wrong for a second you might’ve to sit out an entire season. The majority of the injuries that happen, if they get the proper care in the initial moments can heal far quicker than the one that didn’t receive any first aid. So learning first can save your season and help you realize your dream
We at vmedo believe that first aid is not a requirement but a necessity. Everyone should have this skill which can help our loved ones at the time of grave emergencies. If you want to learn first aid click the link below and register.