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Sports First Aid Can Get You Back In The Game Quicker

Sports and injuries just seem to go together. Luckily most injuries are not severe, although some can be. It is important to know how to treat common sports injuries so that they heal properly. It is also important to know when to get immediate medical care. If you are an active person, it is always a good idea to know basic sports first aid to keep you and your teammates safe.

Sprains are common when playing sports. Serious injuries should be treated as broken bones until you know for sure what you are dealing with. Whether you have pulled a muscle or strained it, the treatment plan includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This treatment is called R.I.C.E. and is indicated for all sprains like a sprained ankle. A lot of the problems with a sprain result from the accumulation of blood and associated swelling of the area. That is why ice is indicated. It minimizes swelling and also helps with the pain through a numbing action.

If you suspect a broken bone, you should call 911 and not move the person until help arrives. If he is in danger though, he should be moved to a safe location while awaiting help. While waiting on help to arrive, you can place ice on the break to prevent swelling and offer a little pain relief. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, place cloth under it so that the ice doesn’t cause frostbite. If possible, elevate the broken bone above the level of the heart. Cover the victim and watch for signs of shock.

Ice or instant cold packs are a valuable component in a sports first aid kit. Remember, it is to be used right after an injury to reduce swelling and bruising. Heat is generally used later to reduce muscle stiffness, but if it is used too soon after a sprain, heat can make bruising worse because it increases circulation.

Prevention is also important in sports first aid because if proper precautions are not taken, you could be at risk for dehydration or heat stroke. Both of these are serious consequences that could be easily prevented by staying well hydrated. This means drinking sports drinks or water and not soft drinks. Stay in the shade if possible or wear a hat. Wear light clothes that reflect the sun. Increase the amount of time you practice and play gradually so that you can build up a tolerance to the heat.

If one of your teammates is overcome with heat stoke, get him in the shade or indoor air conditioning as quickly as possible. Pour cool water onto his skin and fan it to cool him off. Put ice packs under his arms and keep his feet elevated while waiting on help to arrive.

The excitement, stress, and intense physical activity involved in sports all lend themselves to an increased risk for injury to occur. A quick response with the proper sports first aid can mean the difference between healing quickly and sitting on the sidelines for awhile. It could also literally mean the difference between life and death.

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