What Belongs in a Youth Team First-Aid Kit | Green and White Youth Association

Bumps, scrapes and sprains are part of youth sports. A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept on the sideline at every practice and game, allows coaches and volunteers to respond quickly and calmly. Here is what a youth team first-aid kit should include, along with tips for keeping it ready.

Basic supplies

Adhesive bandages in several sizes.
Sterile gauze pads and rolls.
Medical tape.
Elastic bandages for wrapping sprains.
Antiseptic wipes or solution.
Antibiotic ointment.
Disposable gloves.
Scissors and tweezers.
Instant cold packs.
Plastic bags for ice.
Blister pads.
Saline solution for rinsing eyes or wounds.
A small flashlight.
A CPR face shield.

Team-specific supplies

Depending on the sport, a team kit may also include:

Athletic tape and pre-wrap.
A spare mouthguard.
Extra helmet hardware, such as chin strap snaps or face mask clips, for football.
Bobby pins and hair ties for cheer.
Sunscreen.
Insect repellent.

Emergency information

Every first-aid kit should include:

Emergency contact information for every player.
A list of players' medical conditions and allergies, kept confidential.
The address of the field, for directions in an emergency call.
The location of the nearest hospital and of any automated external defibrillator.
A copy of the program's emergency action plan.

Medications

Coaches and volunteers should not give medications to players unless they have written permission from a parent and clear instructions. Players who need medications, such as an inhaler for asthma or an epinephrine auto-injector for severe allergies, should have them available at every practice and game. Coaches should know which players carry these medications and how to use them in an emergency.

Ice

Ice is one of the most useful first-aid tools in sports. Keep a cooler with ice at practices and games, especially in warm weather. Ice can help reduce swelling from bumps and sprains. In hot conditions, ice and cold water can also be used to cool an athlete showing signs of heat illness.

Keep it stocked

A first-aid kit is only useful if it is complete. Assign someone to check the kit regularly and restock used items. At the start of each season, review the contents, replace expired items and update emergency information.

Know how to use it

Having supplies is only part of the equation. Coaches and volunteers should be trained in basic first aid and CPR. Many organizations, such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, offer courses. Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a life-saving difference.

When to seek help

First aid is for minor injuries. For serious injuries, such as suspected fractures, head or neck injuries, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding, call 911 immediately. When in doubt, it is always better to seek professional help.

Peace of mind

A well-stocked first-aid kit gives coaches confidence and gives parents peace of mind. It is a simple way to show that a program takes player safety seriously.