Common Injuries and Appropriate Methods of Treatment:
	Concussions Cuts Fractures Sprains and Strains

First, you must determine the severity of the injury: Ask the athlete general questions such as what day it is and their name. If there is any hesitation in answering the question, the athlete may have a mild or first-degree concussion.

Check the athlete’s pulse and breathing. If pulse and breathing are normal, wait for the athlete to regain consciousness. If athlete complains of any type of neck or back pain, or numbness in the arms and legs, do not move them!

Call for a stretcher or an ambulance. Moderate or second-degree concussions may actually cause the athlete to become unconscious for less than 5 minutes. Severe or third-degree concussions cause unconsciousness for five minutes or longer.

If the athlete does not have pain or numbness, assist them in to a kneeling position. When they are able to stand, assist them to their feet and walk them off the field.

An athlete that sustains any type of concussion can not return to the game unless they are cleared by a physician.

Small cuts and scrapes should be cleaned and bandaged. Larger and deeper cuts may require stitches.

Gently apply gauze with pressure to slow the bleeding and sterilize the area to prevent infection. Bring the athlete to the nearest Emergency Room for stitches, if warranted.

Compare the athletes range of motion of the suspected bone with their opposite limb. Check to see if there is any deformities or swelling in the joint area. If a fracture is suspected, place the area in a splint to immobilize the limb and seek professional medical attention.

Athletes who experience a mild sprain or strain will feel a sore muscle, and they may not want or feel as though they need to leave the game. Have the athlete rest for fifteen minutes. Before sending them back into the game, check their range of motion with the affected limb.

If swelling, pain or stiffness occur, treat immediately using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevate), splint the limb and send them to the nearest Emergency Room.