Physical educators and sports coaches must know how to deal with more serious injuries. Identify the correct statement:
a. A rugby player sustains a blow to his head and falls to the ground unconscious. The educator or coach must move the rugby player to the school sick bay to assist.
b. A hockey player breaks her nose when she is hit by a hockey ball. The player’s nose is bleeding profusely. The educator or coach must encourage the injured player to blow her nose into a wet cloth to stop the bleeding.
c. A netball player breaks her arm during a match. The educator or coach must use the RICER procedure, phone the parents, and ensure the netball match continues.
d. A soccer player falls and hurts his neck. He tells you, the educator or coach that he has lost sensation in his legs. You should immediately call an ambulance and ensure that no one moves the learner.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. A soccer player falls and hurts his neck. He tells you, the educator or coach that he has lost sensation in his legs. You should immediately call an ambulance and ensure that no one moves the learner.
Explanation:
When dealing with serious injuries, particularly those involving the head, neck, or spine, it is crucial to act quickly and cautiously. In the case of a neck injury, especially when a player reports losing sensation in their legs, this is a strong indication of potential spinal injury, which could lead to paralysis or further harm if not handled properly. In such cases, the most important action is to not move the injured player and immediately call an ambulance. Movement could exacerbate the injury, potentially causing permanent damage to the spinal cord.
The educator or coach should stay calm, reassure the player, and keep them as still as possible while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive. It is also important to avoid unnecessary handling, such as trying to lift or adjust the player, as this could worsen the situation. Paramedics are trained to handle spinal injuries and will have the proper equipment and knowledge to transport the player safely.
On the other hand, the other scenarios are less critical but still require appropriate responses:
- In scenario a, moving an unconscious rugby player without proper spinal precautions could lead to serious complications. The player should not be moved until medical help arrives.
- In scenario b, encouraging a player to blow her nose with a profusely bleeding injury could cause further damage to the nasal passages or result in choking. The correct action would be to apply gentle pressure and elevate the head to control bleeding.
- In scenario c, while using the RICER (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral) procedure is appropriate for a broken arm, it’s important not to continue the match, as this could worsen the injury. The coach should focus on treating the injury, ensuring the player is comfortable, and then calling for further medical care.
In all cases, prioritizing the health and safety of the injured person is essential.