From Sidelines to Safety: A Coach's Role in Standard First Aid

There are endless benefits to playing sports, from keeping fit to encouraging teamwork.

Joining a sports club also provides social interaction, with great opportunities to meet like-minded people. 

However, the physical demands of an athlete comes with the unavoidable risk of injury. A sprained wrist during soccer. A wrong dive into the pool. Running on a barely healed ankle. 

These are common occurrences for any sportsman - yet many athletes are unaware of the importance of first aid. Coaches, athletes and even regular spectators should be knowledgeable in standard first aid. 

Quickly responding during an emergency can mean the difference between a smooth healing journey or a long-lasting, career- ending injury. 

To protect their athletes, all fitness professionals should be informed on the necessity of standard first aid for sports as well as common injuries and how to tend to them.

First Aid - Why It Matters

The role of first aid is not only knowing how to treat injuries as they happen. Rather, providing a safe and secure environment for athletes to perform should be the focus. 

Having first aid knowledges ensures that coaches are able to provide proper care until medical help arrives. By prioritising their athletes’ safety and learning first aid, they will know the right ways of handling injuries and possibly prevent long-term damage. 

For many athletes, it only takes one injury to end their sports career. With the fast-paced nature of many sports, injuries are unpredictable but not avoidable.

Coaches and trainers are responsible for ensuring that as many people are first aid trained as possible, fostering a safer and more enjoyable sporting experience.

Common Injuries & Treatments

Sports injuries tend to occur due to these 4 reasons

1. Overuse of muscles: Overworking the same muscles can cause pain and swelling

2. Insufficient warm up: Not stretching properly before exercising heightens the risk of strains and muscle cramps.

3. Over-extension of muscles or ligaments: Stretching your muscles or ligaments past their limits can cause irreparable damage. 

4. Accidents: Unavoidable or unexpected incidents that occur during sports play. 

While coaches should do their best to ensure a safe environment from the start, certain injuries are inescapable. Knowing how to respond effectively is key.

Follow this guide for common injuries and appropriate treatments.

Sprains & Strains

Sprained ankle or a strained wrist? Use the RICE Method as stated below: 

Rest: Cease all physical activity and reduce movement of the injured limb.

Ice: Wrap an ice pack in a clean towel and hold against the injured limb for at least 20 minutes at a time. 

Compression: Using a crepe bandage, wrap the affected joint to provide compression. This can aid with reducing swelling. 

Elevation: Prop the injured limb up using a cushion or stool. Ensure that it is elevated above heart level to minimise swelling.

Concussions

The athlete should cease all physical activity to prevent further harm. Symptoms such as confusion, memory loss, nausea, headache or loss of consciousness may be present. 

The first step in dealing with a concussion would be to call 995. Guide the athlete to a quiet area, and get them to sit or lay down. Reassure them and keep them calm until medical help arrives.

Cuts & Abrasions

For minor cuts, clean the wound with saline solution or running water. Cover the would with a sterile gauze and bandage. 

More severe wounds or continuous bleeding will require medical attention. Apply pressure on the wound and seek help immediately.

Heat Exhaustion & Dehydration 

If an athlete is experiencing heat exhaustion or dehydration, cease all activity. Move the athlete to a cooler, shaded area. Get them to remove any excess clothing. Provide cool water for them to drink slowly. 

If they still feel unwell or lose consciousness, seek medical help. 

Do Your Part - Protect Your Team

Coaches and trainers matter - they’re usually the first to respond in a sports accident.

Having an integral role to play in their athletes’ safety reinforces the need for first aid training. By getting certified, they’ll be able to ensure their athletes receive prompt and effective care during injuries.

Our Standard First Aid Course is recognised by the National Registry of Coaches (NROC), National Registry of Exercise Professionals (NREP) and Sports SG. Learn the basics of first aid, from administering CPR to the fundamentals of bandaging. 

With this certification, you can rest assured you’ll be well-equipped with the skills to help your athletes in times of need. 

Athlete safety should always be a priority in any sport. Do your part and protect your athletes by learning first aid, so they always have a safer sporting environment to perform in and can rely on you should an emergency occur.