Sports First Aid Kit: Are You Prepared?
Louise Roach
Do you have an active family? Are your kids involved in soccer or
little league? What sports are high on your priority list –
running, golf, tennis?
American Sports Data, Inc. estimates:
- 50.6 million people over the age of 6 exercise frequently,
participating in single activities (running, cycling, treadmill)
- 39.9 million participate in recreational sports (basketball,
tennis, softball)
- 15.3 million people are active outdoors (hiking, mountain
biking, skiing)
- 3.2 million players are registered with the U.S. Youth Soccer
Association
If you pound the pavement, swing the club, or bat the ball, there
is always the chance for injury. Is your family prepared with a
sports first aid kit that meets your needs? Many commercially
packaged first aid kits contain basic supplies. Sure, they might
offer limited help for simple emergencies. But is your first aid
kit prepared to handle your child’s rugby injuries or treat a
sprained ankle on the soccer field? How about your knee pain
after a marathon?
The answer is to create your own customized kit that fits your
family’s sports first aid needs. Chances are you already have
many of the necessary supplies on hand. Here’s how you get
started.
1. Evaluate your needs by the type of sports your family
participates in. Is there the likelihood of bumps, cuts, and
bruising that might occur in contact team sports? Or are overuse
injuries more prevalent such as runner’s knee, golfer’s
tendonitis, or tennis elbow?
2. Decide what supplies best fit the type of injuries you have
described, such as bandages and ointment for cuts; ice pack for
pain and swelling; sunscreen for sun burn.
3. Find a roomy, insulated tote to carry your supplies. Why an
insulated carrier rather than one of those little, plastic boxes
that most first aid kits come in? Because you need to carry at
least one, preferably two frozen, reusable ice packs in your
sports first aid kit. Most kits only contain an instant,
one-time-use, chemical ice pack. This is usually not sufficient
to numb pain or reduce swelling. The best and most effective
treatment for many injuries is to immediately apply a frozen ice
pack for several 15 to 20 minute sessions. This will help lessen
pain, reduce swelling and treat bruising. And an insulated tote
will keep your ice packs cold for several hours.
Here is a list of suggested supplies to include in your family’s
sports first aid kit:
Information: First aid guide or manual
General: Matches, Scissors, Travel Toilet Paper, Anti-diarrheal,
Antiseptic wipes, Tweezers, Needle (for splinters), Thermometer,
Safety pins, Flashlight, Disposable gloves, Mouthpiece (in case
of using CPR), Blanket, Plastic Zip-lock bags (to keep supplies
dry), Tissues
Emergencies: Cell phone, Whistle, Personal alarm, Pepper spray,
Emergency phone numbers, Maps (with directions to nearest first
aid)
Pain and Swelling: Cold pack, Ibuprofen
For cuts, scrapes, blisters: Bandages of different sizes,
Antibiotic cream or hydrocortisone cream, Mole skin dressing kit,
Sterile gauze, Adhesive tape, Antiseptic solution, Non-stick
gauze pads
Sun protection/heat exhaustion: Misting water bottle, Cold pack,
Sunscreen, Lip balm, Aloe Vera lotion
Fractures, strains, sprains, pulled muscles: Neoprene joint
braces, Compression bandage/ice wrap, Cold pack, Two triangle
shaped pieces of cloth for a sling or tourniquet
Dehydration: Filled water bottle, Sports drink
Allergic Reactions: Calamine lotion, Epinephrine (for bee
stings), Antihistamine, Recommended medications
Insect Bites: Epinephrine (for bee stings), Insect repellent,
Cold pack (reduces swelling of bug bites)
Assemble your supplies and customize your family sports first aid
kit for each event or outing.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for
professional medical treatment or consultation. Always consult
with your physician in the event of a serious injury.
Louise Roach is a health and fitness editor, marketing
specialist, and product development consultant. She helps others
find pain relief through the use of SnowPack Cold Therapy
products. Learn more about the benefits of cold therapy at
http://www.snowpackusa.com/
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