Injuries are a big part of a sportsperson’s life. In 2016-17, 60,000 Australians were hospitalized for sport-related injuries First Aid. If you are looking to be a coach in the future, taking a first aid
Injuries are a big part of a sportsperson’s life. In 2016-17, 60,000 Australians were hospitalized for sport-related injuries First Aid.
If you are looking to be a coach in the future, taking a first aid course should be your priority. You do not need any prior knowledge, and within a matter of hours, you learn an essential life skill.
In Australia, a first-aid certificate is valid for 3 years. It is recommended to take a refresher course every 2 years from a registered training organization.
As a coach, you have to address the players’ physical fitness needs and hone their natural talent. A sound understanding of first aid can be a great base to build knowledge about more specific injuries.
Take a look at how training in first aid comes in handy on the field.
Injury Prevention
Prevention is a crucial aspect of a coach’s responsibilities. A coach can plan ahead and avert any possible harmful incidents with necessary foresight. There are two types of preventative measures- immediate and Long-term.
A coach has to consider the complete environment of the player. It includes inspection of the sports gear and equipment in use and identifying factors that might potentially cause any harm.
Equipment checks have to be implemented to keep an eye out for any wear and tear that might injure or affect the player’s game.
You can implement long-term prevention by putting in place a team to check and maintain the sports equipment regularly. Health and safety measures like defibrillators and first aid kits should also be easily accessible if the need arises.
Injury Treatment
A first aid course teaches you the correct treatment to apply to any kind of injury. A primary sports first aid kit should be helpful when dealing with minor injuries, concussions, sprains and can intercept anything life-threatening.
The most crucial factor is getting help to the injured in time. You can treat muscle injuries like sprains and strains with Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE).
If you cannot tell if there is a fracture or not, it should be treated as a fracture. Instead, get an x-ray to confirm it and get a professional diagnosis.
Another critical aspect of a coach’s duties is making the right call for the injured players. It would be best to let the injured trainee have enough time to heal and recover before putting them back on the field. A wrong call can further endanger their chances of playing.
First aid training also teaches coaches to use essential equipment like defibrillators used in case of cardiac arrests.
Types of Sport Injuries
The immediate correct response is critical in case of sporting accidents. The injuries resulting from these can be classified into two types.
- Acute Injuries: Sprains, strains, abrasions, cuts, fractures, and concussions fall under this category. These are the injuries that occur suddenly and without warning.
- Chronic Injuries: These are caused over time. Reasons can be a poor use of joints and muscles repeatedly. They can also be developed due to structural abnormalities in the body.
To Sum Up
First aid training is crucial in the life of any person. If you have not had the opportunity to take a first aid course yet, now is the time. (Remember to dress comfortably)
You will learn what to do in an emergency and will be able to impart correct help in time. As for a coach, this knowledge is mandatory and will be a great asset to you and your team!