Krutsch W, Voss A, Gerling S, Grechenig S, Nerlich M, Angele P. Arch. Orthop. Trauma Surg. 2014; 134(9): 1301-1309.
Affiliation
Department of Trauma Surgery, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany, werner.krutsch@klinik.uni-r.de.
INTRODUCTION: Sufficient first aid equipment is essential to treat injuries on football fields. Deficits in first aid on field are still present in youth football (soccer).
METHODS: Injury pattern in youth football over one season and first aid equipment in youth football were analyzed, retrospectively. PRICE and ABC procedure served as basic principles in emergency management to assess the need for first aid equipment on field. Considering financial limits and adapted on youth football injuries, sufficient first aid equipment for youth football was configured.
RESULTS: 84% of 73 participating youth football teams had their own first aid kit, but the majority of them were insufficiently equipped. Team coaches were in 60% of all youth teams responsible for using first aid equipment. The injury evaluation presented 922 injuries to 1,778 youth players over one season. Frequently presented types of injury were contusions and sprains of the lower extremity. Based on the analyzed injury data in youth football, first aid equipment with 90 € is sufficient for 100% of all occurred youth football injuries.
CONCLUSION: Current first aid equipment in youth football is insufficient. Scientific-based first aid equipment with 90 € is adequate to serve all injuries. Football coaches need education in first aid management.