first aid advice for soccer coaches

download spoken first aid advice

When you accept the role of coach, you accept a major responsibility for the care and safety of your players. Although your children must share in the responsibility for their protection and safety, their ability to understand what they can do, how they can do it, and whether they are doing it correctly, may be limited. It is your job to help them practice and play as safely as possible.

The information below is not meant as a substitute for a first aid course. If you don’t already have first aid certification, I encourage you to enrol in both CPR and first aid classes so that you can handle any accidents that may happen while you are coaching.

How to provide rescue breaths

How to perform chest compressions

How to place a casualty in the recovery position

Your job as a volunteer coach is to recognise an injury when it happens, to stabilise the injury as best you can, and to summon medical assistance if necessary. You must understand the limitations of your training and knowledge. If you are not a trained medical professional:

Play it safe. Call the emergency services if you are not sure what to do.

Have a plan

It is important to have a well thought out plan for dealing with injuries and a written response plan for emergencies. Keep this in your coaching bag where you can pull it out and refer to it if necessary. Some points to consider in your plan are: 

·         Is a first aid kit available?

·         Do I have all of my players’ medical consent forms and emergency contacts with me at all times?

·         Where is the nearest phone

·         How do I get first aid and/or paramedics/ambulance?

·         Do any of my assistant coaches or parent volunteers know first aid?

·         Who will go for help if I need to attend to an injured player?

·         Who will supervise other players if I need to summon help?

·         Do my assistant coaches and players know the emergency plan?

Injury Prevention

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Prevent injuries in every way possible. Some important steps that can help you in your injury prevention plan include the following: 

·         Emphasise proper skill development,

·         Inspect practice and game fields (e.g. look for holes, sprinkler heads, etc.).

Hopefully you won't have many injuries (kids are amazing resilient!) but if you do you should know how to recognise and treat common soccer injuries.

Now you can take first aid advice with you to the match or practice session!

Download audio files for your iPod, MP3 player or mobile phone by clicking on the icons (or you can click on the hyperlinks to get written advice). (courtesy of St John Ambulance)

Common Soccer Injuries and their Care

Whenever a player is injured, be certain to inform the parents or guardians of the injury, even if it seems minor and the athlete is able to continue with the practice or game.
 

Preventing disease transmission

Place an effective barrier between you and the victim’s blood when you give first aid. Examples of such barriers are: the victim’s hand, a piece of plastic wrap, clean folded cloth, rubber or latex gloves.  (Read Handling Blood Borne Pathogens)

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after providing care.

HEAT EMERGENCIES:

Heat cramps

• Have athlete rest in a cool place.
• Give cool water.
• Stretch muscle and massage area.

Heat exhaustion - Player’s skin will appear pale and clammy, perspiration is profuse, may experience nausea, weakness, dizziness, headache, cramps

• Have athlete lie down in a cool place with feet elevated 8 to 12 inches.
• Give cool water.
• Loosen tight clothing.
• Remove clothing soaked with perspiration.
• Apply cool wet cloths (such as towels) or ice packs (wrapped) to the skin.
• Call 911 if player refuses water, vomits or if level of consciousness changes.

Heat stroke - Player will appear hot, red, will not be sweating (although skin may be wet from previous sweating), pulse will be rapid and strong, body temperature will be high (105 degrees Fahrenheit or more). This is an immediate and life-threatening emergency.

• Send someone to get emergency medical help (call 911).
• Get the athlete out of the heat and into a cooler place.
• Cool the player fast - immerse in a cool bath, or wrap with wet towels and fan him/her.
• Give nothing by mouth.

Preventing Heat Emergencies

• Avoid being outdoors during the hottest part of the day, if possible.
• Change the activity level according to the temperature.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Drink large amounts of fluid.
• Wear light-colored clothing, if possible.

ANKLE INJURIES:

An injury to an ankle can take the form of a sprain or a break and may have different degrees of severity. Sprains are stretched or torn tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels around joints.

FIRST AID:

• Assume the injury could be severe.
• Immobilize the player (avoid any movement that causes pain).
• Begin the ICE routine (Ice, Compression, Elevation - elevation helps slow the flow of blood, thus reducing swelling).
• Have the player see a physician before returning to practice.

DON’T:

• Remove athlete’s shoe and sock until ice is available.
• Have the player try to "walk it off".

KNEE INJURIES:

The knee is the most complicated joint in the body, as well as the joint most frequently injured. It requires a specialist to treat knee injuries properly. Your job is to limit further injury and to get the player to the hospital. 

FIRST AID:

• Help the player off the field.
• Apply ice to the injured area.
• Elevate the leg without moving the knee, if possible
• Take the player to the hospital immediately

DON’T:

• Move the knee to examine the injury.
• Allow the player to get up and "walk it off".
• Allow the knee to move freely.
• Allow the athlete to continue participating until he/she has seen a physician.

DISLOCATIONS:

Dislocations and broken bones (fractures) are treated similarly. A dislocation is a displacement of a bone end from the joint. Dislocated joints will have pain, swelling, irregularity, or deformity over the injured area.

FIRST AID:

• Leave dislocated joint in the position found.
• Immobilize joint in the exact position it was in at the time of injury.
• Apply ice and elevate to minimize swelling.
• Have the player see a doctor immediately.

DON’T:

• Attempt to relocate a dislocation or correct any deformity near a joint (movement may cause further injury.
• Assume the injury is minor.
• Assume there is no broken bone.

Blisters

Blisters typically appear as a raised bubble of skin with fluid beneath; the fluid may be clear or bloody. The blister may be torn with new skin exposed. Generally painful.

FIRST AID:

• Rub ice over the area.
• Place small moleskin doughnut over the outside edges of the blister and tape to prevent further friction.
• If the blister is torn, wash area with soap and water; put ointment over the blister and cover with a protective dressing.

DON’T:

• Treat a blister lightly; infection can result, causing serious problems.
• Puncture blister - let a physician do so.

PREVENTATIVE STEPS:

• Properly fitting shoes and socks are essential.
• Proper conditioning is necessary to allow the skin to become accustomed to the activity load.
• Wear two pairs of socks if friction is extremely bad.

BLEEDING

In most cases, bleeding can be controlled by placing direct pressure over the wound. To reduce risk of infection, whenever possible wear latex gloves and wash hands before (and after) treating an open wound.  (Read Handling Blood Borne Pathogens)

FIRST AID:

• Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean compress (use clothing if a clean compress is not available).
• Elevate the wound above the level of the heart.
• Keep the player lying down.
• If bleeding is sufficient to soak through the compress, apply additional as necessary directly over the others.
• Call for emergency help if bleeding is severe or persistent.

DON’T:

• Remove old compresses; this may cause more bleeding.
• Treat any bleeding lightly.
• Let dirt get into the wound.
• Panic. Call for help if you are unsure.

NOSE BLEEDS:

         A bloody nose is a common occurrence following a blow to the face, or in association with high blood pressure, infection, strenuous activity or dry nasal passages. Although usually more annoying than serious, any bloody nose resulting from an injury to the face should be considered as a potential fracture. If you suspect a head, neck, or back injury, do not try to control a nosebleed; instead, keep the player from moving and stabilize the head and neck. 

FIRST AID:

• Place the player in a sitting position leaning slightly forward.
• Apply a cold compress to the athlete’s nose and face.
• Apply direct pressure by having the player pinch the nostrils with the fingers.
• Take the athlete to the doctor if bleeding persists.

DON’T:

• Allow the player to blow his/her nose for several hours.
• Stick anything up the nose to stop the bleeding without the assistance of a medical professional or emergency personnel.
• Lean head backwards (player may choke on blood running down the throat).

HEAD AND NECK INJURIES:

      These injuries can be the most devastating of all injuries. Permanent paralysis may result from any neck injury, so these injuries must be handled with extreme care.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

• Headache, dizziness.
• Unconsciousness (immediate or delayed).
• Unequal pupils.
• Tingling sensation or numbness in arms and/or legs.
• Inability to move fingers, toes, or extremities.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Athlete not alert.

FIRST AID:

• Call for paramedic or other help immediately.
• Make sure the athlete is able to breathe.
• Keep the player still (stabilize head and neck as you found them).
• Maintain body temperature.
• Call parents or guardian immediately.
• Pass all important information on to doctors.

DON’T:

• Move the athlete.
• Leave the player unattended.
• Overstep the limits of your knowledge GET HELP IMMEDIATELY!

BROKEN BONES:

       Fractures come in a variety of forms and may occur any place in the body where there is a bone. Remember, you are not a trained medical professional qualified to handle these many different situations. Your job is to recognize the injury (or possible injury) and to limit further injury.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

• May have heard a pop or snap, or received a direct blow to the area.
• A closed fracture will have pain, swelling, irregularity, or deformity over the injured area.
• An open fracture will have bone protruding.

FIRST AID:

• Leave fractured bone in the position found.
• Immobilize the joints above and below the suspected injury.
• Cover an open fracture wound with a large clean dressing; control bleeding.
• Apply ice to a closed fracture (not to an open fracture).
• Transport the player to the hospital or call for an ambulance if you are unsure about moving the player.

DON’T:

• Attempt to straighten injured limb or push back protruding bones.
• Allow player to move the injured area.
• Allow dirt into any injured area with protruding bones.

soccer first aid - sprains and strains thanks to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons for this material Sprains and strains are among the most common injuries in all sports, including soccer. Here are some facts about sprains and strains from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. What is a sprain? A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament, the fibrous band of connective tissue that joins the end of one bone with another. Ligaments stabilize and support the body's joints. For example, ligaments in the knee connect the upper leg with the lower leg, enabling people to walk and run. What is a strain? A strain is a twist, pull and/or tear of a muscle and/or tendon. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bone. What causes sprains and strains? A sprain is caused by direct or indirect trauma (a fall, a blow to the body, etc.) that knocks a joint out of position, and overstretches, and, in severe cases, ruptures the supporting ligaments. Typically, this injury occurs when an individual lands on an outstretched arm; slides into a base; jumps up and lands on the side of the foot; or runs on an uneven surface. Chronic strains are the result of overuse - prolonged, repetitive movement - of muscles and tendons. Inadequate rest breaks during intensive training precipitates a strain. Acute strains are caused by a direct blow to the body, overstretching, or excessive muscle contraction. Who gets sprains and strains? Professional and amateur athletes and the general public, as well, can sustain this injury. People at risk for the injury have a history of sprains and strains, are overweight, and are in poor physical condition. What activities make athletes most susceptible to sprains and strains? All sports and exercises, even walking, carry a risk of sprains. The anatomic areas most at risk for a sprain depend on the specific activities involved. For example, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other jumping sports share a risk for foot, leg, and ankle sprains. Soccer, football, hockey, boxing, wrestling, and other contact sports put athletes at risk for strains. So do sports that feature quick starts (hurdling, long jump, running races, etc.). Gymnastics, tennis, rowing, golf-sports that require extensive gripping-have a high incidence of hand strains. Elbow strains frequently occur in racquet, throwing, and contact sports. What are the signs of a sprain? While the intensity varies, pain, bruising, and inflammation are common to all three categories of sprains-mild, moderate, severe. The individual will usually feel a tear or pop in the joint. A severe sprain produces excruciating pain at the moment of injury, as ligaments tear completely, or separate from the bone. This loosening makes the joint nonfunctional. A moderate sprain partially tears the ligament, producing joint instability, and some swelling. A ligament is stretched in a mild sprain, but there is no joint loosening. What are the signs of a strain? Typical indications include pain, muscle spasm, muscle weakness, swelling, inflammation, and cramping. In severe strains, the muscle and/or tendon is partially or completely ruptured, often incapacitating the individual. Some muscle function will be lost with a moderate strain, where the muscle/tendon is overstretched and slightly torn. With a mild strain, the muscle/tendon is stretched or pulled, slightly. Some common strains are: ·         Back strain. When the muscles that support the spine are twisted, pulled, or torn, the result is a back strain. Athletes who engage in excessive jumping (during basketball, volleyball, etc.) are vulnerable to this injury. ·         Hamstring muscle strain. A hamstring muscle strain is a tear or stretch of a major muscle in the back of the thigh. The injury can sideline a person for up to six months. The likely cause is muscle strength imbalance between the hamstrings and the muscles in the front of the thigh, the quadriceps. Kicking a football, running, or leaping to make a basket can pull a hamstring. Hamstring injuries tend to recur. How are sprains and strains treated? Rest, ice, compression and elevation usually will help minimize the damage. It is important in all but mild cases for a medical doctor to evaluate the injury and establish a treatment and rehabilitation plan. A severe sprain or strain may require surgery or immobilization followed by months of therapy. Mild sprains and strains may require rehabilitation exercises and activity modification during recovery.   Prevention tips No one is immune to sprains and strains, but here are some tips developed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to help reduce your injury risk: ·         Participate in a conditioning program to build muscle strength ·         Do stretching exercises daily ·         Always wear properly fitting shoes ·         Nourish your muscles by eating a well-balanced diet ·         Warm up before any sports activity, including practice ·         Use or wear protective equipment appropriate for that sport

SAFETY TIPS

1. WARM-UP: Most soccer injuries occur very early or very late in the game or practices.  Early game injuries are usually related to improper warm-up prior to play.  Warm-ups should last 15-30 minutes.

   A.  Begin with stretches.  Younger players need less stretching but it is important for stretching to become part of their sports routine.  Starting in U12 and older stretching is extremely important to prevent pulls and strains.

   B.  Next move to light movement activities with the ball, such as dribbling and   passing drills.

   C.  Lastly, include explosive activities, such as sprints and lateral movements.  These movements mimic the movements of the game.  When this part of the warm-up is over, the child should be sweating. 

2. CONDITIONING: Late game injury is usually due to fatigue.  This is due to lack of conditioning.  At the beginning of the season start to improve the endurance and strength of your players.  During games, especially at the beginning of the season, pay attention to the fatigue level of your players and rest them as needed. 

REMEMBER, YOUR JOB AS A COACH IS TO MAKE SURE THE CHILDREN ARE SAFE.  PROPER WARM-UPS AND CONDITIONING WILL GO A LONG WAY TO MAKE SURE THEY DO NOT GET INJURED DURING PRACTICES AND GAMES. 

3. FLUIDS:  The importance of fluids can not be over emphasized.  All players should drink BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER athletic activity.  A recommended schedule is 4-8 oz. before active play, 4 oz. every 20 minutes during active play, and 16 oz. after play.  For older players and in hot weather, this should be the absolute minimum fluid intake.  Thirst is not a good Indicator for fluid needs, especially during active play.  Players should drink to quench thirst and then 4-8 oz. more.  Water (at any temperature) is the best source of fluid intake.  Sports drinks are ok as well; however, high sugar levels can inhibit the bodies fluid absorption.  Carbonated soft drinks, and juices with high sugar level should be avoided at all times. 

4. HEAT: Players should be watched for signs of heat sickness.  Symptoms range from moist, clammy skin with nausea, dizziness, and weakness (heat exhaustion); to hot, red, dry skin with sudden collapse and mental confusion (heat stroke).  To prevent heat sickness, players should drink plenty of fluids before, during and after play, take it easy and rest frequently in hot weather, put on sunscreen to prevent sunburn (which increases body temperature), and watch for early symptoms.  If a player looks weak, is sweating profusely, and has flushed skin, pull him from the field, rest him in a cool shady place and give him lots of fluid (a sports drink would be good in this case, as they replace salts and other needed nutrients in the water, of course water is always ok). 

5. NUTRITION: Foods that increase energy are  good choice for game day and even the night before.  High Carbohydrate foods (pasta, vegetables, fruits…) are recommended.  Every player should eat a good breakfast on game day.  For early morning games, players should eat a lighter but balanced meal.  For mid-game snacks, any fruit is good (YES EVEN ORANGES).  Avoid candy and other snack high in sugars.

6. HEADERS: It is recommended that children under the age of 10 not use the heading technique.  They do not have adequate head and neck strength or the depth perception necessary to properly use this technique.

7. INJURIES: Remember, prevention is key, but if injuries do occur, the coach's job is to proide basic first aid, contact your regional safety director, and make sure that the proper forms are filled out and submited. 

   A. FIRST AID: For extremity injures (usually ankles and knees), immediate treatment  should be:

     Protect the injury (only take shoes and shinguards off if you are sure it will not           further injure the affected part)

     Rest the injured part

     Ice the injury for the first 72 hours (no heat on acute injuries).  Ice should not be        applied directly to skin and should be applied for 15-20 minutes twice per hour.

     Compress the area to decrease swelling.

     Elevate the injury above your heart.

REMEMBER P.R.I.C.E.

For leg injuries, the player should not be allowed to resume play untill he/she can walk without pain.

   B. BLOODY INJURIES: during any AYSO sponsered event (game, practice, team party, etc.) any injury that results in bleding requires you adhere to the AYSO's policy for handling blood.  Durring a game or practice the Bleading player, referee, or coach must leave the field of play.  The bleeding person may not return untill the bleeding is stoped and properly bandaged.  ALL blood must be cleaned from the skin and clothing and neutralized with an aproved agent prior to the return of this person. 

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CONTACT YOUR REGIONAL SAFETY DIRECTOR OR CLICK ON THE MENU TAB LABLED: "GENERAL FIRST AID"

THE AYSO INCIDENT REPORT FORM AND SAI (SOCCER ACCIDENT INSURANCE)  CLAIM FORMS ARE AVALIABLE FOR DOWNLOAD UNDER THE "DOCUMENTS" TAB.

8. EQUIPTMENT AND FIELDS: Players should wear proper safety equiptment to all practices and games.  This consists of SHINGUARDS completely covered by socks, shoes (cleats are not necessary but recomended) and  a proper sized ball in safe condition (check inflation pressure and for rough torn edges).   Players should not be allowed to wear jewelry of any kind, this includes but is not limited to; necklaces, bracelets (hard or soft), wrist bands, ear rings (not even taped), hard hair pieces, etc. Finger nails should be of an appropriate length (should not be visible over the fingertips).  Field safey for coaches primarily means making sure the area you practice is safe.  Look for holes, sprinkler heads, broken glass and other types of obstacles that players can trip and injure themselves on.  Do not allow players to park their bikes or skateboards next to the field (bikes should be walked on the field at all times).   

For More information conrtact the Area Safety Director/Risk Manager:

RESPONSE TO RESUSCITATION AND MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

Contents

 SECTION 1  LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS

Consent (Permission)

Duty of Care (Responsibility)

Act reasonably and responsibly

Written record

Communicable Disease

SECTION 2  EMERGENCY PROCEDURE AT AN ACCIDENT

SECTION 3  CAUSES OF UNCONSCIOUSNESS

Head Injuries

Concussion

Cerebral compression

Skull fracture

Diabetes

Stroke

Seizures

Fainting

SECTION 4  BREATHING ASSESSMENT

The First Aid Process known as DRABC

SECTION 5  BREATHING DIFFICULTIES

Asthma

Choking ( Airway Obstruction )

SECTION 6  CARDIO-PULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)

CPR for Adults 9 years plus ( One or Two Operators)

CPR for Children (1-8years) and Infants (0-1year)

When to cease performing CPR

Basic Life Support Flow Chart

SECTION 7  CARDIAC EMERGENCIES

Heart Attack

Angina

SECTION 8  SHOCK

SECTION 9  BLEEDING

Blood Vessels

Components of blood

Blood functions

External bleeding

Signs of external bleeding

Management of bleeding

Preventing the transmission of diseases

Steps to control bleeding

Bandaging Techniques

Internal bleeding

SECTION 10  FACIAL & MINOR WOUNDS

Eye injuries

Ear wounds

Nose wounds

Teeth and mouth wounds

Crush injuries

Amputations

SECTION 11  BURNS

Classification of burns

Chemical burns

Electrical burns

SECTION 12  OVEREXPOSURE TO THE HEAT AND COLD

Heat exhaustion

Heat stroke

Frostbite

Hypothermia

SECTION 13  SPRAINS & STRAINS

Soft tissue injuries

SECTION 14  FRACTURES

SECTION 15  POISONS, BITES & STINGS

Poisons

Bites and stings

Anaphylaxis

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Last modified: 07/09/06