Whether played by children or adults, sports present a unique opportunity for injury. Be ready for common bumps and bruises"or immediate treatment of a serious injury"of any sport with a well stocked and easily accessible sports first aid kit. Like any first aid kit, always include disposable gloves, flexible bandages of various sizes, gauze pads, first aid tape, antiseptic ointment, scissors and tweezers. But for a sports first aid kit, be certain to include soft gauze bandages, a two-inch wide bandage for serious cuts, instant cold pack, and painkillers. Remember that this kit will be used away from home and water might not be available. Try to find wipes and painkillers that do not need water. For example, stores now carry painkillers that dissolve without water. Sport first aid kits can either be assembled from supplies at drug or purchased online. However, prepackaged first aid kits may not contain all the essentials for the sport it will be used. Swimming injuries can be different from rugby injuries. Think of including joint braces, sunblock, lip balm with sun block, insect repellent, Aloe Vera lotion for sunburn, a misting bottle for hot days, or a sports drink for dehydration. If the sport is high contact, packing several ice packs in an insulated container. Also keep a list of the kit's contents to ensure that it is always well stocked with its essentials. Bring a cell phone, too, in case an ambulance must be called. In sports, the body takes a beating and so might the first aid kit. Store the sports first aid supplies in a durable, watertight, and portable container. Insulated lunch boxes, Tupperware containers, or plastic tackle boxes all make perfect sports first aid kit containers to guarantee it can be used for any injury, rain or shine. |
