720-777-0123
-
Your Visit
Click to find the locations nearest you
Find locations by region
See all locations -
Research & Innovation
It starts with a Q:
For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
First-Aid Kit 101: What All Coaches Need to Know
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 typically more expensive than custom-made kits. The contents can vary, but we have some basic guidelines for building your first-aid kit.
We caught up with our expert Dennis Coonan, athletic trainer and Program Manager of our Sports Medicine Center, to learn more about what items best help keep adolescent athletes safe.
"Being prepared with a stocked medical kit can certainly have you ready for many minor first aid situations that may come up,” says Coonan. “Being ready to take care of these situations can help prevent further injury or infection. Check the inventory periodically to ensure you have all the items you may need!"
How to assemble your team’s first-aid kit
The first consideration is what you put your sports first-aid kit in. 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 for those who often travel with their teams. Within the bag, transparent plastic containers or bags help keep the bag organized and the items easily identifiable.
Sports first-aid kit essentials
- Emergency cards that include athlete’s parent or guardian contact information, emergency contact information and details about medical conditions, allergies, current medications, insurance and the athlete’s primary physician
- CPR mask and bag
- Exam gloves
- Reusable splints
- Triangular bandages
- Safety pins (large and small) to secure triangular and elastic bandages
- Elastic bandages (2, 3 and 4”) to wrap sprained or strained joints and wrapping splints
- Disposable instant cold packs
- Sterile gauze pads of different sizes to cover and clean wounds and can also be used as a soft eye patch in a pinch
- Roll gauze
- Antiseptic solution such as hydrogen peroxide
- Antibiotic ointment
- Adhesive bandages in several sizes
- Non-stick wound pads
- Cotton-tipped applicators or swabs
- Alcohol wipes
- Petroleum jelly
- Sterile eyewash like saline solution
- Hand sanitizer
- Adhesive tape in various sizes
- Tape under wrap
- Tape adherent
- Bandage scissors
- Tweezers
- Hand mirror
- A list of the nearest emergency departments and urgent cares
- Resealable plastic bags
- Nose plugs
- Spare contact lens case
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Trash bag to protect the kit from rain
- Portable charger for mobile phone
Read more articles for coaches of young athletes.
Related Items
Outdoor Sport Weather Safety
It’s important to know how weather can affect athletes. Whether that’s by avoiding extreme heat or knowing where to go during a thunderstorm, understanding the precautions can keep young athletes healthy and safe.
Athletic Trainers and Cardiac Arrest
Athletic trainers are important on and off the field, but especially crucial during an emergency. Find out more about how athletic trainers can make a difference during an athlete’s cardiac arrest.
Sports Dehydration Safety Tips
To keep kids in top shape for sports, it’s important for them to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Learn how to keep your athletes hydrated.