The severity of an injury can be seen by different signs and symptoms. The treatment given will depend on the injury and its severity.

Bone and joint injuries

First of all the injury is assessed by looking at the signs and asking the sufferer what their symptoms are.

If the injury is a fracture or dislocation the signs with be:

• swelling
• the area will have an unusual shape or look deformed
• the individual will be in shock (pale and clammy skin)

The symptoms are:

• if the site is tender it could be a fracture
• if the individual is experiencing a very bad pain then this is more likely a dislocation
• they may also be experiencing nausea

Both fractures and dislocations are serious. Try to move the person as little as possible, support the site and seek medical assistance.

Soft tissue injuries

For soft tissue injuries there’s a protocol you can follow: RICE. It’s appropriate for bruises, sprains and strains:

• Rest: stop playing straight away and take weight off the injured area.
• Ice: apply ice to help slow down the bleeding and swelling.
• Compression: compress the wound using a bandage to help control the swelling (but not so tight that it cuts of the blood circulation).
• Elevation: keep the injured area raised so that blood flow is reduced thereby helping to prevent swelling.

Skin damage

Whenever the skin is torn the area should be cleaned immediately to prevent infection.

• Cuts: check for dirt then dry around the area before covering with a clean dressing.
• Grazes: check for dirt, clean, then cover with a specialist non-stick dressing.
• Blisters: don’t break it. Cover it with a specialist plaster to protect it and ease the pain then allow it to go naturally.

Dehydration

This is an emergency situation and medical help must be sent for immediately.

• First of all, get the individual to lie down in a cool place.
• Elevate and support their legs.
• Make sure that they drink plenty of water.

Hypothermia

This is another emergency situation and the individual will require medical assistance.

• It’s important to start to raise the person’s temperature up gradually so get them into a warm and sheltered area.
• Wrap them up with extra clothing and, even better, a survival bag if possible.
• Provide them with warm drinks.
• The heart rate will have become irregular so continue to check their pulse and also their breathing rate.