It was a cold winter’s day and I was watching youngest son playing a
Rugby match. Middle son was being watched by my partner 3 miles away. The phone rings “Meet you at A & E,” says
my partner. My anxiety levels rise. I
should be used to this, but I am not. I
arrive at A & E to find my son encased head to foot as a security measure
as they did not know if he had a neck injury.
He was lucky – it wasn’t. Which
is why I endorse the Welsh rugby coach who is urging
people to learn first aid after the skills he had helped him save a players
life.
During a charity rugby veteran’s game at Kenfig Hill RFC, Martin Burnell
collapsed.
Clive Jenkins, who was watching on the sideline, was able to perform CPR
on Martin and consequently save his life.
Research shows that, in Wales, around 20,000 people attend A&E every
year because they are injured playing sport.
Of course as a regular visitor in London to A & E I am fully aware of the dangers of this sport
and am not a rugby fan! But my partner and boys are!
Many a time I have stood on the sidelines watching the game when players
have been injured. Much to my amazement, I have sometimes been the only person
there who knew what to do. I have also seen many amateurs trying and sometimes
offering bad advice!! And many inured players being encouraged back on the field!
This is why we started Safe and Sound Training 15 years ago because we were
concerned that not enough people knew what to do in an emergency situation. Learning
first aid is a ‘must’ for everybody. It is our duty as citizens to know how to
save a life. But even more important all
Rugby coaches and parent helpers need to attend a first aid course. Knowing what to do in an emergency can not
only ensure that a minor accident doesn’t become a major one, it can also make
the difference between life and death.
It takes just a few hours to learn CPR and a day to attend a full first aid
course.
A few tips for head injuries:
Cold Compress - wrap a
towel or clothing around frozen vegetables or ice to use as a cold compress.
You could also use a towel or clothing that’s been soaked in cold water and
wrung out. Never place ice directly on the skin because it’s too cold.
A cold compress reduces the swelling and lessens the pain of the
injury.
Use a cold compress until the swelling goes down or the person
says it feels uncomfortable.
Do not give painkillers because they can mask the signs and
symptoms of a serious head injury.
If they vomit or lose consciousness, call an ambulance. You
should also call an ambulance if you are unsure how bad the injury is.
If a person suffers a blow to the head, the brain can be shaken
inside the skull. This is called concussion. It tends to result in a short loss
of consciousness (a few seconds to a few minutes). Most people make a full
recovery from a concussion, but occasionally it may become more serious. If you
think someone has concussion, call 999.
And with all head injuries you should watch for the symptoms of
concussion. If you suspect they have concussion you should call 999.
Sometimes you may not see the symptoms immediately they may include:
- dizziness
- headache
- confusion
- feeling sick
- blurred vision
- Having no memory of what happened.
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