First Aid Arrangement and Emergency Procedures
Not every injury can be prevented especially in a contact sport such as rugby, so it is essential that in the event of an injury, the required first aid procedures/ first aider’s are in place, as per RFU Regulation 9 . This will dramatically increase the chance of a full recovery for the individual involved.
The safety of all players is of paramount importance and Chineham Rugby will ensure that, whenever a game or training occurs appropriate first aid cover and equipment will be provided. There is always access to a telephone in the clubhouse so emergency assistance can be summoned immediately, and there is designated vehicular access for responding emergency vehicles through the main club car park.
The Hampshire Ambulance operator will ask for the following information at the time of the 999 call:
Basingstoke Sports and Social Club
Fairfield’s Road
Mays Bounty
Basingstoke
Hampshire
RG21 3DR
Tel: 01256 473646
What3words Location points
- Site gate: Chain.Small.dots
- Field from Carpark: Lime.Blast.Homes
Everybody involved in rugby at Chineham Rugby Club has a responsible attitude towards the prevention and management of any injury. The safety of the individual takes’ priority over the game of rugby.
Acute / Severe Injuries:
In the event of a suspected acute or catastrophic injury, it is important that everyone – players, coaches, referees and administrators – knows what to do. This should be documented in the emergency plan as follows:
- Call for help
- Call for an ambulance
Act promptly and call immediately for professional medical help – in the event of a suspected spinal or other serious injury, DO NOT MOVE THE PLAYER. Wait until a properly qualified person can supervise the procedure.
- Speak to the player.
- Check airway – remove mouthguard.
- Check to breathe.
- Check circulation.
- Do not move the player.
- Stay with the player and continue communication.
- Keep the player warm until professional help arrives.
If an acute injury has occurred, after the player has been dealt with:
- Notify the Club’s Rugbysafe Lead who will notify the RFU if required
- Stay in touch with the injured player, family, players and other match officials.
REMEMBER:
- NEVER remove an injured player from the pitch to enable the game to continue.
- NEVER lift or carry an injured player from the pitch if the player cannot move him or herself.
- ALWAYS stop the game when a serious injury is suspected.
Concussion:
RFU Regulation 9 provides as follows: 9.4 Any individual who exhibits any of the signs or symptoms of concussion should be immediately and permanently removed safely from the field of play, should not return to play that day, and it is recommended that they are referred to a medical or healthcare professional for assessment and advice. 9.5 In specified adult competitions, participants who sustain a head injury or impact but show no signs or symptoms of concussion may be temporarily replaced for medical assessment and may only return to field of play if assessed and permitted in accordance with the protocols that apply to those competitions which are as follows: a. Premiership and A League Matches: the protocol set out in the Premiership and A League Regulations. b. Championship Matches: the protocol set out in the Championship Regulations. c. Premier 15s Matches: the protocol set out in the Premier 15s Regulations. 9.6 In respect of all other adult and age grade matches or training sessions, participants and all those involved (including coaches, players, parents and club officials) should refer to the RFU Headcase guidance set out in www.englandrugby.com/headcase for guidance on prevention, recognition, management and returning to play. All (players, coaches, parents, match officials and club officials) should familiarise themselves with this RFU Headcase guidance.
Symptoms of a concussion may include the following:
- loss of consciousness
- loss of memory, confusion and disorientation
- double or blurred vision
- giddiness or unsteadiness
- vomiting and headache
Playing Consequences:
If a player shows any signs of concussion, he/she must not be allowed to continue playing or to return to the game. The player should be evaluated by a medical doctor.
Bleeding:
When treating any player, gloves should be worn to protect the player and the first aider from possible transmission of bloodborne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Blood must not be transferred from one player to another and as such, ALL blood injuries must be treated and covered before a player can return to the game. Any items that have been contaminated by blood must be sealed in a plastic bag and safely discarded.
Major bleeding must be treated as soon as possible to reduce the flow of blood, as this may be enough to preserve life. Apply direct pressure to a wound first and only apply indirect pressure if this is not possible. Arrange urgent transport to a hospital or doctor’s surgery.
Injury reporting:
Injury reporting is important as it allows the tracking of why and how injuries happen – and the finding of ways to prevent similar injuries from happening again. Coaches should encourage players to tell them about injuries; otherwise, they risk worsening or never healing. This can have serious consequences, particularly with respect to concussion.
Injury audit is essential to enhance player safety and performance. Each club, province and Union should have a nominated officer responsible for injury audit.
All injuries should be recorded by the age group first aider either by completing the report on the Proactive app or providing a written report to the club Rugbysafe Lead who will then update the Proactive App.