In managing an injury the main aim is to do no further damage.

When an injury occurs there are many decisions to be made. The most important of these for the coach is whether the player should continue to play or not. Coaches should always err on the side of caution as resuming play may cause further damage to an injury.

Unconscious Player

If the player is unconscious it is a life threatening situation and the DRABC of first aid should be used by an accredited sports trainer.

DANGER
Check for danger to:

• You
• The injured player
• Others

RESPONSE
Ask the injured player:

• Can you hear me?
• Open your eyes
• What is your name?

AIRWAY

• Make sure the airway is clear

BREATHING

• Check if the player is breathing by observing chest movements and/or air passing in or out of the mouth
• If not, an accredited sports trainer or a trained first aider should begin Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR)

CIRCULATION

• Check the pulse beside the Adam's apple. If the pulse is absent, an accredited sports trainer or trained first aider should commence Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• EAR and CPR should be maintained until respiration and circulation are normal and/or until professional help arrives
• Stop any bleeding by placing firm pressure over the injury site

Conscious Player

With all injuries it is important to have a set procedure to follow. The following S.T.O.P. procedure allows the coach to assess the severity of the injury and determine whether the player should continue or not.

STOP
Stop the player from participating or moving.
Stop the game if necessary.

Don't Panic...Stay Cool

TALK
Talk to the injured player.
What happened?
How did it happen?
What did you feel?
Where does it hurt?
Does it hurt anywhere else?
Have you injured this part before?

Provide a few words of encouragement

OBSERVE
Observe whilst talking to the player.
General
Is the player distressed?
Is the player lying in an unusual position / posture?
Injury Site
Is there any swelling?
Is there any deformity?
Is there any difference when compared to the other side/limb?
Is there tenderness when touched?
Does it hurt to move the injured part?

If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, seek an accredited sports trainer or qualified first aid support

PREVENT
Prevent further injury (3 options)

1. SEVERE INJURY
Suspected head, facial, spinal, chest, abdomen injuries, fractures or major bleeding.

GET HELP
Get professional help...don't move the player

• Keep onlookers away
• Comfort the player until professional help arrives
• Immobilise and support

2. LESS SEVERE
Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains and muscle bruises.

RICER REGIME
The first 48 hours are vital in the effective management of soft tissue injuries

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation
• Referral

3. MINOR INJURY
Bumps and bruises which do not impair performance

PLAY ON
A few words of encouragement will help

• Monitor any such injuries