Health, safety, injury prevention and first aid
What the examiner expects
Health, safety, injury prevention and first aid tests your ability to control risk before and during activity and to respond correctly to common incidents. Expect emergency action, RICE, concussion and reporting questions.
Prevention and emergency action
Assess the area and equipment before the session, check footwear and clothing, ask about medical conditions and consent, and have a first-aid kit and emergency plan. Warm up, teach correct technique, progress gradually, allow recovery, use suitable surfaces and enforce rules. For any incident, use DRABC: Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Call emergency services (108 in India) when needed, start CPR if trained and the casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally, using 30 compressions to 2 breaths and an AED as soon as available. For soft-tissue injury use RICE: Rest, Ice for about 15–20 minutes with a cloth barrier, Compression and Elevation. Suspected fracture or dislocation: immobilise, do not realign, and seek medical help.
Worked example
A player rolls an ankle during a match and the ankle swells. Reasoning: stop play, check DRABC and general condition, assess the ankle without forcing movement, apply RICE, do not let the player 'run it off', arrange safe transport and inform the parent or guardian. Record the incident factually and review the surface and footwear. Heat, massage and alcohol are avoided in the first 48 hours because they can increase swelling.
Concussion and reporting
Remove any player with suspected concussion from play immediately; do not allow same-day return. Refer for medical assessment and follow a graduated return-to-play protocol. Complete an incident report, notify the guardian and keep records confidential.
Traps that cost marks
Do not move a suspected spinal injury. Do not give food or drink to an unconscious person. Do not apply heat early. Do not delay emergency help or omit documentation.