Injury and sports go hand in hand. It doesn't matter if you're playing peeAids to properly take care of your athletes. Broken wrists, pulled muscles, and bloody noses are common injuries, so make sure that a first aid kit is well stocked and you know how to use everything. Take a lesson from the Boy Scouts and always be prepared.
Filler Up!
You can purchase pre-made kits but eventually you'll have to restock. So what exactly should these first aid kits be filled with? Here's what you'll need, along with some helpful tips.
* What you put into the kit depends on the sport. Of course there are generic items that every kit should have, but take into account typical injuries that happen in the sport you play. A sprained wrist is more common in football than track.
* '''Common items''' in every kit include: various sized bandages, antiseptic wipes/cream, athletic tape, gauze pads, instant cold packs, anti-inflammatory pills such as ibuprofen, scissors, thermometer, tweezers, and disposable gloves.
* If you're playing '''outdoor sports''', include sunscreen, antihistamines, aloe, and an anti-allergy needle. The aloe will come in handy if someone wanders into poison ivy and the needle will be appreciated by those allergic to bee stings.
* For those who participate in '''cold weather sports''', always keep heating pads and blankets available. Hypothermia plus an injury equals very bad.
* Fluids that replace electrolytes should always be accessible, especially for endurance sports, to prevent dehydration.
* First aid kits for '''contact sports''' should include wire, leg and finger splints and a triangular sling.
* When first purchasing a kit, consider the size of your team and how often injuries happen. You'll need a much bigger kit for the football team as opposed to the golf team. Naturally it's better to have too much than too less, but don't go overboard.
** Do some research to find out about common injuries for the sport and then go from there.
* Brands like Cramer, Fieldtex, First Aid Only, and Lifeline make first aid kits specifically for sports and offer a variety of sizes to fit your needs.
* I highly recommend that at least one coach for the team is '''CPR certified'''. You should also learn the signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
* The most important thing to remember is to '''stay calm''' and use your '''best judgment'''. No one will want first aid from a panicking coach.
