Responding to injuries and medical conditions in sport

Assessment using 'SALTAPS'

In a sporting event it is likely you may have seen an accident take place or have a particular understanding of the specific body part that has been injured.

To consider whether a player should continue in the game or training, a close inspection using a sport-specific assessment such as SALTAPS will be useful.

SALTAPS

Stop

• Stop the game if a player is injured and observe the injury

Ask

• Ask questions about the injury, such as where does it hurt, what type of pain is it, which way did you fall?

Look

• Search for specific signs such as bruising, swelling, broken skin, bleeding, or foreign objects

Touch

• Gently palpate the injured area to identify painful regions and inflammations

Active movement

• Ask the player whether they can move the injured area without your assistance

Passive movement

• If there is active movement, gently move the injured area through its full range of motion

Strength testing

• Ask the player to stand, lift and put pressure on the injured area if they can. Ask them whether they feel able to continue playing and, if so, observe their movement and behaviour closely

With increasing intensity and risk associated with modern sports it is important to use this method with caution and stop at the appropriate stage for the injury:

• If at the 'Look' stage there are obvious signs of injury, the player should be removed from the game or stop training to receive treatment. Equally, if the player is unconscious or there is suspected neck or spinal injury, there should be no attempt to move the player
• For the 'Touch, Active and Passive movement' stages it is important that the most qualified and experienced individual makes the assessment for an accurate account of location, severity and type of injury

Activity

In pairs take turns to be first aider and injured player.

Assess their injuries using the SALTAPS protocol.

Consider the point at which you would stop the SALTAPS protocol

Acute Management using PRICE

Acute soft tissue injuries trigger inflammation, bruising and pain; and can cause further damage if not treated quickly

The PRICE protocol has 5 simple steps that aim to minimise muscle or joint injury

When used immediately after injury has occurred, swelling is reduced, pain is eased, and further damage is prevented

PRICE

Protection

• Protect the injury and the person from any further damage. Stop playing and use padding, splints or crutches to get off the field of play

Rest

• Allow the injury time to heal and prevent further damage - playing on can complicate injuries and increase recovery time

Ice

• Apply ice indirectly to the skin to reduce inflammation and pain. Generally guidelines recommend 10 minutes of ice application which can be repeated after a 60-minute break

Compress

• Compressing the injury with tear tape, crepe or a stretch bandage will help to reduce swelling. Monitor the tightness of the compression as continued swelling can occur

Elevation

• Raise the injury above heart level to reduce blood flow to the area, thus decreasing swelling

Activity

In pairs, take turns to be first aider and injured player

Treat their injury using PRICE

Recognising Concussion using the 'Six Rs'

Concussion is a brain injury and very serious

Concussion can be fatal and World Rugby (formerly IRB) has launched a 'recognise and remove' campaign which involves six Rs to make sure players can recover with just physical and mental rest

The 'Six Rs'

Recognise

• Parents, players, coaches and officials should all be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussion

Remove

• If a player has a concussion or suspected concussion, they must be removed from the field of play immediately

Refer

• If removed from the field the player should be referred immediately to a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in evaluating and treating concussion

Rest

• Players must rest from exercise until symptom free and not be left alone for the first 24 hours

Recover

• Players must fully recover and be symptom free before considering a return to play. Adults must take a minimum of a week and under 18s two weeks before seeking an authorised return from a healthcare professional. Rest and specific treatment through recovery are essential for the health of the injured participant

Return

• To complete a safe return to the field they player must be symptom free, have a written authorisation and complete the 'graduated return to play' protocol

Graduated Return to Play Protocol

1. Minimum rest period with complete body and brain rest without symptoms

2. Light aerobic exercise to increase heart rate

3. Sport-specific exercise incorporating runing drills without any head impact

4. Non-contact training drills with growing complexity to increase cognitive load

5. Full-contact practice with normal training activities to assess functional skills

6. Return to play

Homework

Reasearch the most common injuries in your chosen sport.

Using your knowledge, understanding and research, summarise injury statistics, classification of injuries, potential causes and preventative methods that can be taken