Introduction
The following module is aimed at enabling you to identify and manage common sporting injuries when pitch-side. It is not intended to turn you into a medic, rather increase your confidence and skills in identifying serious and non-serious injuries. This will ensure that correct, effective, early management is carried out and player welfare is maintained, unlike that of the medics in the video below!
The module is interactive so please flip over boxes, select the yellow hotspots and enjoy the videos!
Early Injury Management
In the majority of green and amber injuries, early management should following the acronym POLICE:
Protection: Remove the player from participation and any activity that results in increased pain.
Optimal Loading: Complete rest is rarely advised for injuries. Players should be encouraged to carry out low-level, ‘non-painful’ activities. These should only be prescribed by a medical professional to ensure there is no further damage or worsening of the injury.
Ice: Apply to the injury site for 10-15 minutes every few hours. This should be done with the ice wrapped in a damp towel or cloth to prevent ice burns.
Compression: Apply compression to the site if you have any appropriate material such as tubi-grip or coban tape. Make sure circulation is maintained.
Elevate: Aim to raise the injury above the heart to encourage fluid return and a reduction in swelling. This is best carried out when inactive i.e. sitting or lying down.
Though there are various acronyms which can be followed, it is felt POLICE presents the best action for non-medically trained individuals working within sport. If you are unsure, please seek advice from a medical professional or first aider.
The use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen are currently not advised within the initial 48 hours of an injury as they have been shown to reduce healing in soft tissue and bone injuries.