Essential Items for the First Aid Kit on School Sports Day

This is the time of year when I often get involved in providing first aid services at school sports days. I do enjoy this thoroughly but notice common themes every year, and wanted to talk about the most common issues we see on the sports field, in order to help parents and schools be as prepared as possible on the day.

Remember, most sports day injuries are minor and manageable.

The Essential First Aid Kit Checklist:

Wound Care Basics (For Cuts & Scrapes)

Children running on grass, asphalt, or concrete can get cuts or grazes, and these can get contaminated by dirt, particularly on the sports field . Be prepared with:

• Sterile gauze pads

• Adhesive bandages (plasters) – assorted sizes

• Antiseptic wipes (not harsh alcohol-based)

• Supply of clean water (for gentle wound rinsing)

• Medical tape

• Small tube of antibiotic ointment

  
  

Practical Tip: Always rinse dirt out of a wound for about 15 minutes with clean water then dry carefully before applying a plaster. Dirt left inside increases infection risk.

Remember:

• Most cuts and scrapes are minor and bleed only for a short time.

• If actively bleeding, raise the injured area above the level of the heart, as this decreases the amount of blood flowing to the wound.

• Rinse the wound gently with clean running water : DO NOT use hot water.

• Don't use alcohol, iodine, flavine, hydrogen peroxide, or other similar agents to clean the wound, as these solutions can cause pain and/or irritation to the area.

• Apply direct pressure by taking sterile gauze or a clean cloth and press firmly on the wound.

• When the bleeding has stopped or slowed, secure the dressing with tape.

• You can also apply a small amount of antibacterial ointment to the wound before putting on the dressing.

Cold Therapy (For Sprains & Bumps)

Trips and falls are common during relays and races. I usually carry Ziploc® bags filled with ice, or cold packs for application.

Include in the First Aid Kit :

• Instant cold packs (no freezer needed)

• Elastic compression bandage

• Small towel or cloth (to wrap the cold pack in)

  
  

How to Use: Apply cold pack to the affected area for 15–20 minutes at a time. Never place ice directly on skin. The advice I give for sprains is R-I-C-E, meaning Rest, Ice, Compression (bandage) and Elevation of the affected area, ideally above heart level, to help reduce swelling.

Seek medical care if:

• The child cannot bear weight

• There is obvious deformity

• Swelling worsens rapidly

  
  

Heat & Hydration Supplies

In hot climates, dehydration and heat exhaustion are common Sports Day issues.

Do pack:

• Extra bottled water

• Oral rehydration solution (ORS) sachets or lollies (I tend to use Pedialyte® freezies on the field)

• Electrolyte drinks (low sugar)

• Portable handheld fans

  
  

Remember to keep hydrated, and head to a cool area in between races. Here are some specific things to look for, and tips on what you can do in situations of heat illness - with increasing severity, these include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and finally heatstroke (a medical emergency).

Heat Cramps: These are painful muscle cramps in the legs, arms, or tummy that can happen during or after vigorous exercise in extreme heat. Sweating during physical activity in extremely hot weather causes the body to lose fluids and salts, and this is what causes the muscles to cramp. Children are particularly at risk for heat cramps when they aren't drinking enough fluids. Heat cramps will usually improve when sufficient rest and fluids.

What to do:

• Take your child to a cool place and let them rest.

• Give water or fluids that contain salt and sugar, such as sports drinks.

• Gently stretch and massage cramped muscles.

If cramps don’t get better within an hour, or someone with heat cramps has a history of heart problems or is on a low-sodium diet, they should seek medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion: This is a more severe heat illness that can happen when someone in a hot environment hasn't been drinking enough fluids. Symptoms can include:

• increased thirst                                                                                                          

• weakness

• dizziness or fainting

• muscle cramps

• nausea or vomiting

• irritability

• headache

• heavy sweating

• cool, clammy skin

• a raised body temperature, but less than 104°F (40°C)

  
  

What to do:

• Bring your child to a cooler place indoors, an air-conditioned car, or shady area.

• Remove excess clothing.

• Encourage water or cool fluids containing salt and sugar, like sports drinks.

• Put a cool, wet cloth or cool water on your child's skin.

• Call your child's doctor for advice. A child who is too exhausted or ill to drink or who doesn't feel better within an hour might need to get intravenous (IV) fluids, so seek medical attention if you're concerned.

If left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke, which is much more serious.

Heatstroke: This is a medical emergency. In heatstroke, the body cannot regulate its own temperature and this can lead to brain injury or even death if it isn't treated right away. Quick medical care is needed to bring the body temperature under control. Children are at increased risk for heatstroke if they overdress or do intense physical activity in hot weather without drinking enough liquids. Heatstroke also can happen when a child is left unattended in a car on a hot day, as the temperature inside the car can soar quickly.

What to do: Call for emergency medical help if your child has been in a hot environment and shows one or more of these symptoms of possible heatstroke:

• severe headache

• weakness, dizziness

• confusion

• nausea

• rapid breathing and heartbeat

• loss of consciousness

• seizure

• no sweating

• flushed, hot, dry skin

• temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher

  
  

While waiting for help:

• Get your child into the shade.

• Remove any excess clothing and sponge your child with cool water.

• Do not attempt to give fluids if your child is unconscious, drowsy, agitated, having a seizure or behaving strangely.

Allergy & Asthma Essentials

If your child has known allergies or asthma, these are essential to carry on the day:

• Inhaler (with spacer)

• Antihistamine medication

• Prescribed epinephrine auto-injector (if applicable)

• Written emergency action plan

  
  

Ensure the teachers know where these are kept. (I usually carry a spare Salbutamol inhaler and a spacer device in my first aid kit.)

Pain & Fever Medication

If allowed by school policy:

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen)

• Ibuprofen (age-appropriate dosing)

Keep medications in original packaging. Never share medication between children.

Practical Tips for Sports Day Safety

Dress Smart

• Properly fitted sneakers

• Breathable clothing

• Avoid brand-new shoes on the day

  
  

Fuel Before the Event

• Light breakfast with protein + carbs

• Avoid heavy, greasy meals

  
  

Warm Up

Encourage gentle stretching before races to minimise injury..

When to Seek Urgent Care

Even with a great first aid kit, some injuries require medical evaluation:

• Head injury with vomiting or confusion

• Severe pain or deformity

• Deep cuts needing stitches

• Difficulty breathing

• Fainting

• Seizuress

If in doubt, get it checked!

Be prepared and have an enjoyable Sports Day everyone!

Be well,

Paula

Dr  Paula Robertson is a busy mom and a paediatrician with over twenty years' experience working with young people and their families. She is also a certified children's mindfulness teacher and Positive Discipline Parenting

coach. You can find out more at www.paulathedoctormom.com.

Our AI wellness assistant has contributed to the writing of this article