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Care For Common Minor Injuries It is the coach's job to maintain as safe an environment as possible. It is strongly recommended that coaches have certification in CPR and First Aid or that volunteers be recruited who already have first-aid training, medical athletic training or emergency care certification. Athlete medical forms should be reviewed prior to the start of practice and available at all training and competitions. There should be a plan for emergencies. Using the Coach's Safety Checklist will help to prevent injury by assuring adequate supervision, equipment, facility, warm-up and stretching.   When an injury does occur, stay calm, and administer only basic first aid. When in doubt, or when more care is needed, consult the athlete's family and a physician.     Treating Floor Burns, Strains, Contusions, Minor Bumps and Bruises     R — Rest, stop any pain-causing activity I — Ice for 24-36 hours after the injury C — Compress with elastic bandage if needed E — Elevate to avoid edema and subsequent swelling     Conditions Requiring Medical Attention Significant swelling or dislocation of an extremity Obvious deformity of an arm or leg Severe pain Inability to bear weight on a lower extremity Lacerations with or without fractures. Significant swelling of a joint; i.e., elbow, wrist, knee, ankle Loss of sensation in an extremity     Conditions Mandating That Only Experienced Medical Personnel Move the Athlete Loss of consciousness Neck or back injury with loss of sensations or motor power in arms or legs Head injury with disorientation and/or visual changes   If an arm or leg may be broken — that is, if it looks deformed or has major swelling and tenderness — treat it like a break. Take the athlete to a physician.   Always have someone familiar with basic life support and cardiovascular resuscitation (CPR) at every training session. Even though the possibility of cardiac arrest is much greater in the spectator section than with the athletes, it is always present. Initial measures include: Establishing unresponsiveness Calling out for assistance Positioning the victim     Rehabilitation/Treatment for Chronic Injuries   Blisters Keep pressure off new blisters using a felt "doughnut." Where the skin is torn, use extreme care. Keep it clean, and cut skin halfway around the perimeter without removing the skin. Apply antiseptic ointment and a sterile dressing. When underlying tissue toughens, cut away the remaining flap of skin.   Abrasions and contusions (floor burns and deeper bruises) Keep them clean. Expose them to the air when possible. Keep them dry. Encourage gentle activity.   Chronic knee pain, thigh muscle overload, tendonitis, stress fractures and ligament strain. Follow the doctor's directions, which will generally include: Rest for 5-7 days. Ice for pain. Stretch related muscles to strengthen them. Move gently, stopping at the point of pain. Exercise to strengthen afflicted area as it heals.

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