First+Aid

= First Aid Procedures =

Please note that the following guidelines are for those who are already first aid qualified, and act as a reminder for those who are unqualified to seek assistance from a qualified first-aider within the school.

During your volunteer induction process your Active Schools Coordinator will inform you as to who the school first aider is and where the first aid kit is located.

Sport and physical activity involves an element of risk and despite observing safety aspects during sessions it is possible that accidents may occur.

The aims of first aid in sport are:
 * To provide immediate care to minimise the effects of the injury
 * To promote recovery
 * To encourage safe practices that will prevent injury

It is important to know where the nearest telephone is or who to contact in the event of an emergency.

Prior to the first session commencing try and obtain information about participants who may suffer from medical conditions which may affect their performance or cause them to be unwell. This will allow you to adapt the session to suit their needs. Infformation about medical conditions or additional support needs is normally ascertained from the reply/permission slips that parents complete prior to the first session commencing.

If an injury occurs and it is in the form of a sprain, muscle tear, or bruising follow the RICE procedure: If you suspect a serious injury do not move the injured person, however make them as comfortable as possibleand seek urgent medical assistance. All injuries sustained by a participant should be recorded either in an accident form or to a member of staff in the school/facility. Please inform your Active Schools Coordinator at the nearest possible opportunity.
 * Rest** the injured area, **Ice** the affected area, **Compress** and **Elevate** the injured limb.

When an incident occurs try to stay calm and in control. Stop your session and make your working area safe.

It is essential that any head injury sustained by a participant should receive medical attention. Head injuries must not be ignored. If a participant becomes unconscious as a result of a head injury, seek medical attention for that person immediately.

At the end of the session the coach should inform the injured child's parents of the injury.

If you would like to undertake a first aid course please inform the Active Schools Coordinator. All coach education courses and workshops will be advertised on the coach education page as an when they arise.