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Sports First Aid Kit: Are You Prepared?
by 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.
Related Articles:
Back to School Bicycle Safety Tips
First Aid Kits: Stocking the Essentials
When Your Child Wants to Quit Sports
Ice Safety
About the Author:
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
Snow Pack USA Sign up for free health/fitness e-newsletter.
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