First aid training is an essential component in sports that is not often thought about until it is actually needed. As such, it’s not much of a concern for most people. However, that doesn’t negate its importance when it comes to injuries on the field or court. All sports have a set of protocols and precautions to prevent injury. But the risk still exists and unfortunately, accidents happen no matter how careful we may be during games and practices.
The physical demands alone make sports and athletes high on the list for falls, injuries, broken bones, and other physical ailments. That’s why first aid training is such a critical element for sports and athletics.
And while there is generally someone on the sidelines, such as a coach or referee, who will have completed their first aid training, it’s always beneficial for athletes to take a first aid course. Here are three reasons why taking a first aid course is crucial for the safety of you and your teammates.
1. Helps prevent injuries and ailments from progressing
One of the main goals of first aid training is to administer care as soon as possible while waiting for medical personnel to arrive. Immediate first aid can effectively prevent a sprain or fracture from progressing, stop bleeding, and potentially save someone’s life in the event of cardiac arrest or other life-threatening injuries.
For this reason, first aid training is something that should be
In a first aid course, participants learn about the two different types of sports injuries - acute and chronic.
- Acute injury - A sudden occurrence that generally causes sprains, fractures, concussions, cuts, abrasions, and other incidental conditions. An example of an acute injury is a wrist sprain or a fall that’s caused a large cut.
- Chronic injury - This type of injury is a progression or development of an injury due to inadequate use of joints and muscles. For example, failing to warm up before a game or lack of stretching can lead to a muscle injury that will require physical therapy to treat.
Typically, first aid in sports is administered to acute injuries. Those who take a first aid course will also know how to spot the signs and symptoms of a severe injury as some dangerous physical trauma may not be evident at first.
Such an education is paramount in knowing how to properly respond. And of course, the proper response will dictate how the situation unfolds. In Alberta, the typical ambulance response time is 12 to 15 minutes. And while that’s certainly quite fast, in certain situations, it may not be fast enough.
That’s why having the proper first aid training is so critical. Based on the severity of the injury, not knowing what to do could actually prove to be fatal.
Whether it’s a minor injury that only requires some bandaging before the athlete returns to the field, or a severe laceration that requires immediate medical attention; having first aid training can help resolve these sorts of incidents.
first aid training
2. Players are equipped with the proper knowledge and skills to apply first aid
Did you know that injuries can be made worse with incorrect first aid techniques? This highlights how crucial it is that only individuals trained and certified in first aid should treat an injured player. Although well-intentioned, someone who lacks the knowledge and training can inflict more harm than good.
In a first aid training course, you’ll learn how to quickly and effectively use the standard tools found in a first aid kit. You’ll also learn what can increase bleeding and swelling or delay healing, such as applying heat or massaging to the injured muscle. You’ll also learn the acronym RICE - rest, ice, compression, elevation - used to treat muscle injuries and how to apply this technique properly.
All of this to say that your first aid training will essentially make any sporting event, game, or arena a safer place with your presence. And this is important because, with athletics, it’s not a matter of if someone will get hurt or injured, it’s a matter of when.
That’s just the name of the game when it comes to sports.
And when that situation occurs, having someone highly trained in first aid can make a major difference in how that circumstance plays out.
3. First aid training helps you identify potential risks
As we’ve stated above, sporting accidents happen, but there are ways to help prevent them. Athletes who have completed a first aid course have the advantage of knowing the common types of sporting injuries, how and why they happen, and ways to lessen the risk of them happening.
Furthermore, after being trained in first aid, you can quickly identify any potential hazards on the field or court and know that you can lend a helping hand when needed.
This can go a long way in preventing potential injuries. But also – if an incident were to take place – your education and training could help to keep an injured individual calm and relaxed while you wait for medical professionals to arrive. Additionally, you can also ensure that they don’t do anything else that could make their injury worse.
Final Thoughts
Education is important in all facets of life, regardless of the domain you happen to be studying in. However, when it comes to health and physical wellbeing as in the case of injuries, this notion is further amplified.
Luckily, here at AIP Safety, we provide first aid training in Calgary so that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to help an injured athlete if the situation ever presents itself.