No one expects you, as a coach, to be a competent, practicing physician (unless you are!) However, you should be capable of handling minor injuries until more experienced medical professionals can assist.

Cuts

1. Put on a pair of latex-free gloves and apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean dressing. If it becomes soaked with blood, apply a new dressing on top of the existing dressing; do not remove it. If bleeding continues, elevate the cut above the heart.
2. Cleanse the wound thoroughly once the bleeding is stopped with a quick blast of water or light scrubbing with soap.
3. Protect the wound with a clean sterile gauze bandage and protective padding (if necessary).
4. Carefully remove and dispose of your gloves.

Strains and Sprains

P	Protect the player and injury from further damage
R	Rest the are to avoid further damage and foster healing
I	Ice the area to reduce swelling and pain
C	Compress the area by securing an ice bag in place with an elastic wrap
E	Elevate the injury above heart level to keep blood from pooling in the area

Serious Injuries

Head, neck and back injuries or in cases where a player loses consciousness are injuries that you should not try to treat yourself. In these cases, follow your Emergency Plan.

• Heat Cramps
• Can be caused by excessive exercize combined with heat stress and substantial fluid loss
• Most common during early fall season during warmer weather and when endurance is lowest
• Dehydration, electrolyte loss and fatigue are contributing factors
• Treatment: have player cool off, rehydrate and then lightly stretch the muscle to prevent stiffness
• Players may continue that day or the next day provided the muscle isn't strained
• Heat Exhaustion
• Shocklike condition caused by dehydration and electrolyte depletion
• Symptoms: headache; nausea; dizziness; chills; fatigue; excessive sweating; extreme thirst; pale, cool, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; loss of coordination; dilated pupils
• Treatment: rest player in cool, shaded area; rehydrate with cool fluids, preferably containing electrolytes; apply ice to the abdomen, neck or back.
• Players may not play again that day nor should they resume play until they have regained weight lost through sweating; a physician's written release may be required to return to play
• Heat Stroke
• Life-threatening condition caused by severe dehydration where the body's temperature control center malfunctions
• Symptoms: hot, dry and flushed or red skin; feeling extremely hot; nausea; confusion; irritability; fatigue; lack of sweat; rapid pulse; rapid breathing; consricted pupils; vomiting; diarrhea; seizures; unconsciousness; respiratory or cardiac arrest
• Treatment: IMMEDIATELY call emergency personnel; cool player as quickly as possible: remove excess clothing and equipment; cool the player's body by applying cool, wet towels, pour cold water over them or place them in a cold water bath; apply ice packs to armpits, neck, back, abdomen and between their legs. If player is conscious, allow them to drink cool fluids; if not, place them on their side to allow fluids or vomit to drain from their mouth.
• Players may not play again until they obtain a written release from a physician.

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