First aid training teaches the skills necessary to treat a range of medical conditions. First aid treatment is a form of immediate medical care. First aid can be as minimal as applying a Band-Aid or as complex as splinting a fracture. First aid kits provide the tools necessary to complete first aid treatment. First aid training for sports focuses on the proper treatments of common athletic injuries. First aid training may be at a professional level for health care professionals or at a basic level of care for the layperson.
Professional Education
Health professionals such as certified athletic trainers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics usually receive in-depth training on emergencies and first aid care. Athletic trainers are professionals who specialize in acute athletic injury care. According to the NATA, athletic trainers are usually the first line of defense for athletic injuries and emergency medical care. EMTs and paramedics work with athletic trainers when the injury is too severe for on site management. EMTs will transport injured athletes to a hospital for further treatment. In addition to job training health care professionals are usually expected to renew CPR yearly and first aid every three years.
Layperson Education
Sports safety training programs will teach you the differences between nonthreatening and life-threatening conditions. Some first aid condition can be easily treated on site. Lay persons may elect to take a first aid for sports through a local college, American Red Cross or American Heart Association chapter. The American Red Cross has developed a sports safety program under the guidance of the United States Olympic Committee. These classes will focus more in depth on sprains, strains and bleeding than traditional first aid courses. When the first aid administered by a layperson does not suffice, emergency medical services should be called. Coaches, fitness professionals, teachers and parents may benefit from taking a sports specific first aid course.
First Aid Kit
First aid kits hold the supplies that make first aid possible. First aid kits usually have small, medium and large bandages used for the treatment of cuts and bruises. Roller gauze and gauze pads may be used to control bleeding. Ace bandages, triangular bandages and splints can be used to support and secure sprains, strains and fractures. Topical antibiotics, iodine and hydrogen peroxide can be used for wound cleaning and sterilization. Cold packs and cold sprays can be used as pain management for acute injuries. Scissors may be necessary to cut clothing or bandages. Gloves and face masks, and bio hazard bags may be used to protect the responder from soiled materials.
Training
First aid training for sports injuries will prepare the first responder to facilitate appropriate care for sports injuries. According to the Red Cross, first aid training should prepare you for breathing emergencies, cardiac emergencies, blood loss, open wounds, allergies, illness and musculoskeletal injuries. Adult, child and infant CPR and AED training should also be a component of a sports injury program. Epi-pen and inhaler administration may also be taught. Professional training may also include oxygen administration, fluid or drug IV training, and advanced airway techniques.
Warning
Sports injury training and first aid may not prepare you for all situations. When in doubt, always alert emergency medical services by calling 911. Injuries can initially appear to be nonthreatening and can quickly turn into life threatening.
