The first-aid kit is an indispensable item that must always be present at training sessions and football matches, so it is vital that players know how to use it properly.
It is advisable to explain to the players how to use the materials found in the first aid kit if necessary, as well as to receive a short training in first aid. In this way they will be prepared if a teammate needs their help.
The first aid kit used on the football pitch must contain only those materials that are essential for first aid. No unauthorised medicines or complex instruments should be brought in. Obviously, at the beginning of each season the first aid kit will be full, so it is very important to replenish the materials as they are used up.
The first aid kit should not be too large, and in order to avoid damage to the materials and medicines inside it, the team will have to respect a series of rules regarding its contents and maintenance, paying special attention to the place where it is kept.
Recommendations for its correct conservation
The football kit should always be well organised, and all the materials inside clearly identified and labelled. It should be located in a place that is free of moisture and dirt, and not too brightly lit.
The condition of the materials inside the first-aid kit should be checked from time to time in order to locate expired medicines, as well as to replenish those items that are out of stock.
Player-specific medicines should not be kept in the kit. In addition, the kit should always be prepared before it is needed and should not have a lock that is difficult to open. It is also recommended that there is a list of emergency telephone numbers and hospital facilities in the area.
Contents of the football kit
- There are different types of kits, which are adapted to the budget and needs of each club. However, there are a number of items that should be present in any football kit:
Instrumental.
These are all the utensils necessary to be able to apply the medicines found in the football kit:
- Stainless steel scissors.
- Stainless steel tweezers, which it is recommended that they be sterilised.
- Thermometer, preferably digital.
- Cold packs to reduce inflammation and pain caused by injuries.
- Cervical collar for immobilisation in case of cervical injury.
- Latex gloves. These must be sterile to avoid any risk of contagion and transmission during the examination.
- Safety pins, which are very useful for fixing bandages and garments.
- Thermal blankets to keep the players warm.
- Sterile scalpel for cutting the skin if necessary.
- Guedel cannulas, which are used when a player has breathing difficulties.
- Sterile needles. Used for suturing wounds or puncturing blisters.
- Syringe and needle. Indispensable for injecting medication or withdrawing fluids.
- Elastic rubber band. Used to find blood passages and compress limbs.
- Single-use razor for shaving the area of the body that needs to be shaved.
- Skin stapler, and therefore a staple remover.
- Sterile dressings, such as plasters, adhesive stitches, bandages, gauze and blisters.
Toiletries
This includes all items useful for cleaning prior to wound care, such as liquid soap, sponges and towels.
Medicinal products for general use
These must have been previously prescribed by a physician. These include painkillers, antacids, anti-inflammatory, anti-motion sickness, anti-hemorrhagic, painkillers, bronchodilator inhaler, glucose tablets and injectable insulin.
For atopic use should include all types of ointments, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, physiological saline, hyposodium eye saline, eye drops and anti-inflammatory spray.