Safety, Injury Prevention, and First Aid/Emergency Care
Safety, Injury Prevention, and First Aid/Emergency Care
This domain tests prevention, emergency action plans, and first-aid decisions. Expect scene safety, CPR/AED, bleeding, concussion, heat illness, and return-to-activity judgment.
Core rules
- An emergency action plan (EAP) assigns roles, communication, equipment, access, and emergency transport. Rehearse it.
- First: scene safety, universal precautions, activate EMS. For unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR and use an AED as soon as available.
- Control bleeding with direct pressure; add layers rather than removing soaked dressings. Treat shock by lying the person down, keeping them warm, and not giving food/drink.
- Suspected concussion: remove from play immediately; no same-day return; evaluate by a qualified health professional.
- Exertional heat stroke is an emergency: cool rapidly (e.g., cold-water immersion) while calling EMS. Do not force fluids if altered mental status.
- Suspected spinal injury: stabilize and avoid unnecessary movement unless there is immediate danger.
Worked example
A player collapses during practice. The teacher checks responsiveness and breathing, sends someone to call EMS and retrieve the AED, and begins CPR. The AED is applied, pads are placed on a dry chest, and shock guidance is followed. Because the collapse was sudden, sudden cardiac arrest is the priority-not treating it as heat cramps. The EAP’s practiced roles make the response faster.
Traps
Do not delay CPR to search for a pulse if untrained; follow current training. Do not allow same-day return after suspected concussion. Do not use aggressive massage or heat on acute injuries. Do not move a suspected spinal injury casually. Documentation does not replace emergency care.