All First Aiders and Coaches need to familiarise themselves with the following.

Everybody involved in rugby at WRFC should have a responsible attitude towards the prevention and management of any injury. Coaches and WRFC nominated First Aiders have a specific responsibility to provide a safe and competent level of care to any injured player.

The safety of the individual takes priority over the game of rugby.

Not every injury can be prevented especially in a contact sport such as rugby, so it is essential that in the event of an injury, appropriate first aid procedures/ first aiders are in place. This will dramatically increase the chance of a full recovery for the individual involved.

The safety of all players is of paramount importance and WRFC, through the First Aid Co-ordinator (FAC), will ensure that, whenever a game or training occurs appropriate first aid cover and equipment will be provided.
• At senior level this will be through an appropriately qualified Immediate Care Practitioner (1 per team)
• At Junior level (U13’s-U18’s) this will be via trained Emergency First Aiders (EFA)(at least 1 per team), supported by a First Aider (FA) (1 per 120 players)
• At Mini’s level (U7’s – U12’s) this will be via trained Emergency First Aiders (EFA)(at least 1 per team), supported by a First Aider (FA) (1 per 200 players)

The FAC for WRFC will ensure:
1. Every squad has at least one nominated EFA to provide help to any injured or ill player until more expert help arrives from the FA or equivalent.
2. All EFA’s hold the appropriate Emergency First Aid at work (or higher) qualification, and will need to see copies of any independent certifications.
3. Copies of all certificates are held on file.
4. Each age group is provided with a complete list of known medical conditions for children within the age group, as highlighted on the membership forms, and that this information is updated from the Club Registrations Officer These lists will be kept with the first aid kit
5. First Aid kits are available for every team, and that stocks are available to replenish each week.

It is the responsibility of the EFA to:
1. Take charge when someone is ill or injured, including calling an ambulance if required, using the procedures and guidance outlined below, and if necessary ensuring the game stops:
2. Provide emergency first aid to injured or ill persons until more expert help arrives;
3. Ensure gloves are used to treat any First Aid injury, and that all blood injuries are treated and covered before the player returns to the field
4. Look after the first aid equipment, e.g. restocking the first aid box
5. Ensure Accident and Incident reports for all WRFC players are completed as appropriate and forwarded to the FAC and CSO within 24 hours (for training, home and away games).

No EFA should attempt to give First Aid for which they have not been trained.

Emergency First Aid

In the event of an injury requiring Emergency assistance, an ambulance can be summoned immediately using the nearest telephone, or from the clubhouse. First Aiders should be aware of the designated vehicular access for directing the emergency vehicle to the appropriate pitch.

Information has been provided to Hampshire Ambulance to ensure attending vehicles are directed to the correct entrance, and these are;

• Main Pitches (1st, 2nd and 3rd’s pitches) - say “ WRFC club entrance”, off Nuns Road

• Outer Pitches (Devils Island and mini’s pitches) - say “North Walls recreational park, Devils Island”, at the bottom of Nuns Road.

The Hampshire Ambulance operator will ask for this information at the time of the 999 call.

Acute / Severe Injuries
In the event of a suspected acute or catastrophic injury, it is important that everyone - players, coaches, referees and administrators - knows what to do. This primary survey should be:

1. Shout for help.
2. Call for an ambulance:
Act promptly and call immediately for professional medical help – in the event of a suspected spinal or other serious injury, DO NOT MOVE THE PLAYER, and if necessary ensure the game is stopped.
Check for Danger - The only circumstances in which a seriously injured player should be moved is if his/her life is in danger (respiratory/cardiac arrest, environmental danger etc) and should preferably only be carried out under medical supervision.
Wait until a properly qualified person is able to supervise the procedure.
3. Check Response – speak to the player, check for consciousness.
4. Check Airway - remove mouth guard.
5. Check Breathing.
6. Check Circulation.
7. Do not move the player.
8. Stay with the player and continue communication.
9. Keep player warm until professional help arrives.

General Injuries

Once the primary survey above is complete and any life threatening conditions have been dealt with, EFA’s can assess for other injuries / illnesses.

To assess the player on the field of play using the TOTAPS, or secondary survey system:

Talk What happened? Where does it hurt?
Observe Look at the injured area. Is it different from the other side (swollen, a different colour, etc)?
Touch Feel for swelling, tenderness and pain.
Active movement Ask the player to move the injured part without assistance.
Passive movement If the player moves the injured part actively, then carefully move it through a full range of movement.
Skill test If the active and passive movements did not produce pain ask the player to stand and, if lower limbs are affected, see if player can weight-bear and if he/she can walk. If unable to do so, the player may be assisted from the field, otherwise the player should be carefully accompanied from the field for a full assessment or, if the injury is only slight, the player can be allowed to resume playing.


Injury Reporting

All first aid kits will contain an accident/ injury report form which should be completed by the EFA / FA for all injuries other than minor bumps, scrapes and bruises. This includes (but is not limited to) ligament / tendon damage, cuts resulting in significant blood loss, dislocations, haematomas, broken bones.

All injury report forms must be forwarded to the Club Safeguarding Officer within 24 hours. These include:

• An ambulance is called
• A person is taken to an A&E department
• Any sign of head, neck or spinal injury
• Concussion – suspected or confirmed
• A player cannot continue with the training activity / match due to their injury
• Any injury which results in admission to hospital either by ambulance or other means of transport within 6 hours of a training session or match.
• A parent / guardian refuses any ambulance

Injury reports will be held on file for 3 years and will be available for any audit required. Age groups / EFA’s repeatedly found to be not completing the necessary injury reports will be reported to the Management Committee, and appropriate measures taken.

In the case of catastrophic injury
• Notify the Club’s Safeguarding Officer immediately who will notify the RFU if required
• Stay in touch with the injured player, family, players and other match officials.