First Aid Protocols and Sports Injury Management
Emergency First Aid Protocols
Unconscious and Not Breathing
Symptom: Unconscious and not breathing.
Action: Start CPR immediately (maintain between 100 and 120 compressions per minute).
Unconscious but Breathing
Symptom: Unconscious but breathing.
Action: Place the individual in the recovery position, loosen tight clothing, and monitor breathing.
Dizziness, Weakness, or Lightheadedness
Symptom: Dizzy, weak, or lightheaded.
Action: Stop the activity immediately. Lie on your back with the legs raised, loosen tight clothing, and monitor symptoms.
Heavy or Uncontrolled Bleeding
Symptom: Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding.
Action: Apply and maintain direct pressure with a cloth or bandage. Raise the injured area if possible. Do NOT remove objects stuck in the wound.
Cuts, Scrapes, or Open Wounds
Symptom: Cut, scrape, or open wound.
Action: Clean your hands first, then clean the wound with water. Stop minor bleeding and disinfect the wound. Cover with a sterile bandage and monitor for infection.
Suspected Broken Bone
Symptom: Suspected broken bone.
Action: Do NOT move the injured area. Immobilize the limb, reassure the injured person, and treat bleeding if present.
Injury Management and Sports Science
Injury Definition
An injury is any damage or alteration that affects tissues and, as a consequence, the functions of the body. It can occur in different tissues and can vary in severity.
Rehabilitation vs. Readaptation
Rehabilitation is the process of recovering from an injury or illness and restoring physical function. Readaptation is the phase after rehabilitation in which the person gradually returns to normal activities, work, or sport while improving performance and preventing new injuries.
Cooperative Learning Principles
Cooperative Learning: Same objectives, teamwork, non-competitive environment, and participation of all members.
Risk Factors for Injuries
Risk Factors: Diet, overload, lack of warm-up, stress, and previous injury.
The Role of Science in Sport
Science: Science is the systematic study of knowledge through observation, experimentation, and evidence. In sport, science helps us understand how the body works, improve performance, prevent injuries, and design effective training programs based on research rather than personal opinions.
Additional First Aid and Sports Science Reference
Emergency Response Recap
Symptom: Unconscious and not breathing. Action: Start CPR immediately (between 100 and 120 compressions per minute).
Symptom: Unconscious but breathing. Action: Place in recovery position, loosen tight clothing, and monitor breathing.
Symptom: Dizzy, weak, or lightheaded. Action: Stop the activity, lie on the back with legs raised, loosen tight clothing, and monitor symptoms.
Symptom: Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding. Action: Apply direct pressure with a cloth or bandage, raise the injured area, and do NOT remove stuck objects.
Symptom: Cut, scrape, or open wound. Action: Clean hands and the wound, disinfect, cover with a sterile bandage, and monitor for infection.
Symptom: Suspected broken bone. Action: Do NOT move the area, immobilize the limb, reassure the person, and treat bleeding.
Injury and Science Concepts
Injury Definition: Any damage affecting tissues and body functions; varies in severity. Rehab vs. Readapt: Rehabilitation restores function; readaptation focuses on returning to activity and preventing new injuries. Cooperative Learning: Focuses on shared objectives, teamwork, and full participation. Risk Factors: Includes diet, overload, lack of warm-up, stress, and previous injury. Science in Sport: Uses evidence and research to improve performance and prevent injuries.