Ask the patient to remain still Immobilise the forearm with a padded splint and broad bandages to prevent movement at the joints above and below Watch for signs of loss of circulation to hand Seek medical aid Head injuries and concussion If concussed, place the player in a comfortable position with head and shoulders slightly raised In unconscious, place in recovery position clear and open airway, monitor breathing Support the player’s head and neck and avoid any twisting movement Control any bleeding but do not apply pressure to the skull If blood of clear fluid comes from the ear, cover with a sterile dressing and lay the player on their side to allow the fluid to drain Cramps Gently stretch the muscle fully Apply icepacks Massage gently if it assist in relieving pain Electrocution for danger Switch off power if possible Remove the casualty from the area without actually touching the casualty directly. DRSABCD Call ‘000’ Nasal and teeth injuries Assess for associated head injuries, concussion or neck injuries Manage bleeding Instruct casualty to NOT blow their nose Seek medical assistance Clean any dirt off tooth with the players own saliva or milk Put tooth back into open socket Ask the player to help tooth in place or wrap the tooth in plastic and store in milk Dislocation DRSABCD Do not attempt to put the dislocated shoulder back in Check circulation Rest and support the arm Apply ice packs to the shoulder joint.
Diabetes — a condition the body is unable to either produce or regulate the insulin required to maintain normal blood sugar levels Prior to treatment loss of body weight despite increased appetite increased urination increased thirst and hunger irritability possible palpitations meals at regular intervals eat complex as opposed to simple regular exercise timing of insulin avoid large amounts of fat Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) rapid pulse profuse sweating trembling hunger aggression dizziness seek urgent medical help do not attempt to give glucose or drink to an patient if conscious, administer glucose and drink as required Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) rapid pulse drowsiness, possibly progressing to thirst smell similar to acetone on breath seek urgent medical help if conscious, the of insulin
need to urinate frequently Epileptic seizures — seizures triggered by an abnormally high discharge of electrical activity to the brain. They range from the more serious grand malcharacterised by spasms and loss of consciousness to petit mals, commonly referred to as ‘absences’. Some petit mals may go almost unnoticed because the person may appear ‘vacant’ or ‘absent’ for a short period. More serious seizures can be recognised by the following: body tightened jaw some frothing possible loss of bladder control loss of place in lateral recovery position remove dangerous objects during ensure that the airway is fully open and that the patient is breathing check pulse seek medical help Asthma — condition whereby breathing difficulties are experienced due to constriction of the airways in the lungs tightness in chest sweating and paleness fast, shallow breathing hunched body posture excessive throat clearing laboured breathing difficulty in exhalation increase in pulse rate wheezing noises reassure the person assist with monitor breathing provide water for them to drink encourage controlled breathing and relaxation seek medical help if their condition Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction that occurs when a susceptible person is exposed to an allergen. The breathing difficulties swollen tongue and possibly swollen face, lips and eyes remove the trigger and minimise the effects of
reaction appears within about 20 minutes and can rapidly become life threatening. The most common allergens are foods such as nuts and soy, and insect stings such as bee and wasp. difficulty talking swelling or tightness in the throat loss of wheeze or persistent cough welts or body redness vomiting, abdominal pain for example, spit out food, remove the sting the plan if known. Students in New South Wales schools who are known to be at risk should have an individual plan providing details of an response. The plan may require use of an EpiPen by trained staff. seek urgent medical assistance Poisons — substances that are harmful if taken into the body. They can be taken or absorbed in a number of ways, including swallowing, injection, inhalation or headache blurred vision vomiting breathing difficulty drowsiness abdominal pain tight chest breath smells of If the person is unconscious: seek urgent medical attention.
being absorbed through the skin. fumes or other odours possible change in skin colour nausea If the person is conscious, determine the type of poison and accordingly. If the substance is unknown: do not induce vomiting seek urgent medical attention. If the substance is corrosive (such as acids): do not induce vomiting give milk or water seek urgent medical advice. If the substance is medicinal or general: induce vomiting seek urgent medical help. and stings Most venom/toxins from this group are transported through the lymphatic system, so the pressure puncture marks headache double vision rapid pulse tightness in difficulties faintness rest reassure the patient apply a pressure bandage over the
immobilisation technique is used to slow down the venoms progress by compressing the tissues and reducing muscular movement in an attempt to give the body time to deal with the toxins Snakebite sweating site of the bite and beyond the affected area do not elevate call for medical help Bee and wasp sharp pain at the site of the bite possible swelling remove by scraping or flicking sideways (do not squeeze) apply ice monitor for allergic reactions seek medical advice Redback spider stinging pain at the site faintness sweating swelling rapid pulse reassure the person apply ice seek medical advice Funnel-web spider intense pain at site of bite profuse sweating cold skin shivering sense of numbness breathing difficulty abdominal pain nausea reassure the person apply pressure bandage over the bitten area and extend down the limb (see p. 278) seek urgent medical attention hot
Bluebottles localised sting marks pain headache vomiting breathing difficulties immerse the area in water to help alleviate pain seek medical attention Exposure to heat and cold Heat exhaustion — condition caused by dehydration. It is usually experienced by athletes working in hot, humid conditions. rapid, weak pulse clammy, pale skin headache dizziness profuse sweating fatigue extreme thirst dilated pupils loss of rest in cool, shaded area provide cool apply ice to head, neck and other areas to cool the body seek medical assistance Heatstroke — a serious condition of extreme dehydration. It is characterised by a breakdown of the temperature regulatory mechanism and subsequent rapid rise in internal body temperature. leading to possible marked increase in core body temperature pulse hot, dry skin fatigue lack of sweat despite exertion breathing constricted pupils possible respiratory and cardiac arrest seek urgent medical help rest in shade cool the body with wet towels and ice provide plenty of water do not wrap in blankets Hypothermia — medical condition caused by exposure to very low shivering weak pulse slurred speech protect from the elements