Common Injuries and First Aid Treatment
Common Injuries and First Aid Treatment
Common Injuries and First Aid Treatment
Injuries and
First Aid
Treatment
Overuse, direct impact, and the
application of force greater than
what the body part can structurally
withstand are common causes of
sports injuries
COMMON INJURIES AND FIRST AID
TREATMENT
KINDS OF INJURIES
CHRONIC INJURY
ACUTE INJURY
An injury caused by
something that rubs or scrapes
against the skin.
2. Bruise
14
Summary
Sprain (ligament)
Strain (muscle)
Dislocation
Wounds
FIRST AID FOR SPRAINS, STRAINS, AND JOINT
INJURIES
RICER Strategy
REST – Keep the injured area supported and avoid using it for 48 to 72 hours.
ICE – Apply ice to the injured area for 20 minutes every two hours for the first
48 to 72 hours.
COMPRESSION – Apply a firm elastic bandage over the injured area, extending
above and below it.
ELEVATION – Raise the injured area above the level of the heart at all times.
REFERRAL – See a doctor as soon as possible.
FIRST AID FOR SPRAINS, STRAINS, AND JOINT
INJURIES
No HARM Strategy
No Heat - Heat will increase bleeding.
No Alcohol - Alcohol increases bleeding and swelling.
No Running - Running or exercise increases blood flow
which delays healing.
No Massage - Massage increases swelling and bleeding and
also delays healing.
First Aid for Nosebleeds
1. Stop any activity.
2. Sit with your head leaning forward.
3. Pinch your nostrils and breathe through your mouth.
4. Hold your nose for at least 10 minutes.
5.If bleeding continues past 30 minutes, seek medical advice.
For Emergency Situations
Call an ambulance for
1. Prolonged loss of consciousness,
2. Neck or spine injuries,
3. Broken bones,
4. Injuries on the head or face,
5. Eye injuries, and
6. Abdominal injuries.
Treatment for Sports Injuries
• Treatment varies according to the type and severity of the injury.
• What may seem to be a common sprain may really be a fractured
bone, so seek a doctor.
• Returning to a sport after injury depends on your doctor’s or
physiotherapist’s evaluation and recommendation.
• The biggest single risk factor for soft tissue injury is a previous
injury.
Pain Relief
• Painkillers, such as paracetamol, can be used to help lessen the
pain.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as
ibuprofen can also be used to ease the pain and reduce any
swelling.
• Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 years of age.
Immobilization
The reduction or elimination of motion of the body or a body part,
can help prevent further damage to the injured area.
It can also help reduce pain, muscle swelling, and muscle spasm.
For examples, slings, splints, and casts or strict bed rest may be
advised to immobilize injured arms, shoulders, wrists, and legs
while they heal.
However, prolonged immobilization is not usually necessary for
sprain. You should try to gently move the affected joint as soon as
you feel less pain.