A first-aid kit is a necessity to help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies while coaching. Commercial kits generally don’t cover the specific needs of athletes and are relatively expensive compared to custom-made kits. The contents can vary, but there are some basic guidelines when building your first-aid kit.
How to assemble your team’s first-aid kit
Medical bags come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The main consideration should be that the bag is lightweight, portable and durable. A backpack may be a good choice. Within the bag, transparent plastic containers are a useful way to keep the bag organized and easily identifiable.
First-Aid Kit “MUST HAVES”:
Emergency items
- Emergency cards – These should include parent/guardian phone numbers for each athlete, emergency contact information, information about medical conditions, allergies, other concerns, current medications, insurance information and physician information
- CPR mask
- Exam gloves
- Splint – SAM splints are common in many athletic trainer’s bag; they are easy to use and can be re-used
- Triangular bandage
- Safety pins (large and small) – Can use to secure triangular and elastic bandages
- Elastic bandages (2, 3 and 4”) – For wrapping sprained or strained joints and wrapping splints
- Disposable instant cold packs
Wound care items
- Sterile gauze pads of different sizes – For covering and cleaning wounds; can also be used as a soft eye patch
- Roll gauze
- Antiseptic solution (like hydrogen peroxide)
- Antibiotic ointment
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes
- Non-stick wound pads
- Cotton-tipped applicators – Q-tips work fine
- Alcohol wipes
Ointments/solutions
- Petroleum jelly
- Sterile eyewash, such as saline
- Hand sanitizer
Taping supplies
- Adhesive tape in various sizes
- Tape underwrap
- Tape adherent
Instruments
- Bandage scissors
- Tweezers
- Hand mirror
Miscellaneous items
- Plastic re-sealable bags
- Change for payphone
- Contact lens case
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Trash bag – If the kit is not waterproof, this can be used over the kit to protect it from rain
Read more articles for coaches of young athletes.