First aid kits should always be stocked for any emergency. Whether working on the job, at home or going to a sports event, a little prep ahead of time is helpful. No matter what kind of first aid kit you have, always make sure to have a first aid manual in it, so you can help prepare yourself for less common injuries and emergencies. Don't hesitate to contact 911 if you are concerned about the extent of an injury.
Ice or Ice Packs
Buy a bag of 5 lb. ice from the grocery store and some quart size bags. Fill four to five bags ahead of time and keep them in the cooler so they are ready to go as soon as needed. In the same cooler, keep a few bottles of water and sports drinks or vitamin drink packets. Along with the ice, it is helpful to keep a few rolls of plastic wrap. One long roll from the store can be cut up into 4 to 6 inch length sections. The plastic wrap is used to attach the ice around the body without having to hold it there the whole time. If you do not want to worry about always buying ice, then disposable ice packs can be kept in the first aid kit.
Treating an Injury
Latex or nitrate gloves are needed when treating an injury. It is important to protect yourself and others involved. Gloves are there for everyone's protection. It is best to wear these at all times unless you are putting on a small bandage; the gloves will stick to the adhesive and make it hard to apply to the skin.
Sterile gauze are needed for bigger cuts. Athletic tape will be needed to keep the gauze in place. Depending on the size of the cut and amount of bleeding, a larger adhesive bandage can be placed over it, so make sure to purchase bandages of all sizes. Scissors and tweezers are also useful to cut the tape and for pulling off any visible debris, as long as it is not lodged in the skin. Elastic bandages are also helpful to keep the ice on over sprains and will add more compression than the plastic wrap will provide. It is also helpful to have some type of antibiotic cream and over the counter anti-inflammatory available. A wrist watch with a second hand will also be helpful for counting respirations and heart rate.
Other Items
These items are needed in a first aid kit, but are not as commonly used at a sports event; soap, hydrocortisone cream, safety pins, calamine lotion, bug spray repellent, sunscreen, thermometer, flashlight and batteries, and a mouth piece for CPR.
More Advanced Supplies
Add splints for any broken bones and neck braces for hard hitting sports. Also, AED for adult sports to help if anyone collapses on the field. Topical pain reliever like china gel or tiger balm helps for strained muscles. A pen light to evaluate the eyes for signs of concussion, blood pressure cuff and stethoscope to monitor the body's vitals are all helpful. Pen and paper are needed to record interventions and the body's response.
References
- "Emergency - Care and Transport for the Sick and Injured 9th edition;" American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons; 2005
- Survival-center: Survival Kit
- Red Cross
