11/02/2025
Sports Injury First Aid: 7 Steps every athlete should know 🏀 ⚽ 🏋🏽♀️
In sport, injuries happen fast. Knowing what to do immediately can prevent further damage and speed up recovery. Follow these 7 essential first aid steps:
1️⃣ Check for Danger – Ensure the environment is safe before assisting. Watch for hazards like falling weights, uneven ground, flying objects or other players.
2️⃣ Check for a Response – If the athlete is down, ask them, "Are you okay?", "Can you hear me?" - If unconscious, follow DRSABCD.
3️⃣ Call for Help – Dial 000 for serious injuries like being unresponsive, fractures, head trauma, or spinal injuries. Don’t move them unless necessary - if required, maintain spinal alignment and minimise any twisting.
4️⃣ Immobilise Fractures & Sprains – If a break is suspected, do not realign the bone. Use a splint or support the area and seek urgent medical care. Keep them comfortable.
5️⃣ Control Bleeding & Treat Wounds – Apply firm pressure with a clean bandage to stop bleeding. Clean minor cuts with saline and cover with a sterile dressing.
6️⃣ Use RICER for Soft Tissue Injuries – Rest, Ice (20min on / 2hrs off), Compression, Elevation, Referral to a doctor for sprains, strains, or bruises.
7️⃣ Monitor for Concussion or Shock – Signs of concussion include dizziness, confusion, nausea, vision issues or memory loss. If the athlete is pale, cold, or disoriented, keep them lying down with legs elevated, loosen tight clothing, keep warm and seek medical help.
⚠️ DO NOT:�🚫 Move an injured athlete with a suspected spinal injury.�🚫 Let someone with a head injury return to play too soon.�🚫 Ignore pain - early treatment prevents longterm issues. ⚠️
Injuries happen but fast, but quick first aid makes all the difference. Stay prepared!
We are passionate about equipping WA schools and businesses with First Aid skills