Essential Items for a Track and Field First Aid Kit

When participating in an outdoor sport like track and field, athletes can be injured during various activities. Coaches and personal trainers need to be prepared for injuries with properly stocked first aid kits. There are essential items for a track and field first aid kit since the athletes and players are exposed to many potential hazards that may cause them injuries.

Antiseptic and Bandages - Falls are inevitable sometimes in both track and field events and it is therefore essential to have an antiseptic in the first aid kit. Antiseptic wipes must also be present as they help in the initial cleaning of the cut or graze before it bandaged. Assorted bandages will also be in the track and field first aid kit since cuts and grazes need bandaged to keep germs at bay. Antibiotic ointments also help in dressing the wounds and this ensures that they are kept off from further infection and that the victim suffers less pain.

CPR Kit - A complete CPR kit must be available in case there is a need for resuscitation. In addition to having CPR kit items like mouth protectors in the kit, all sideline coaches, trainers, and helpers need to be certified in CPR.

Protection from Blood Borne Disease - Non-latex gloves are also required among the essential items for a track and field first aid kit. Their use ensures that germs are not transferred from one person to the other in the process of cleansing and bandaging wounds. While latex gloves are used in most cases, some people are allergic to latex.

Scissors and Other Tools - Scissors are required for cutting the bandages or trimming on the field. Bandage scissors should be sharpened and disinfected regularly. Tweezers are also required to aid in the removal of splinters and other debris from wounds.

Proper First Aid Procedures - Since not every person is conversant in first aid procedures, it is important to have an instruction booklet detailing all the procedures performed on various situations in the track and field first aid kit. The booklet can include detailed instructions on cleaning a variety of wounds including track burn and abrasions.

Specialty Items - In the case that athletes have specific medical conditions such as food allergies, diabetes, or asthma, the first aid kit needs to have a storage space for athlete specific medication. There may be official forms required for coaches to carry such medication. Teams can check with office personnel or the school principal about proper procedures for carrying medications on the field.

Being prepared for all situations is crucial in today's athletic scene. Athletes will trip, fall, and earn battle scars thanks to the intense competition and a first aid kit should be filled with all things necessary to treat injuries on the field.