SPORTS FIRST AID CYCLING

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1 SPORTS FIRST AID CYCLING For the millions of us who head out cycling each week, first aid skills are as essential as a good set of brakes and a helmet. Maybe you love jumping in the saddle to test your nerve on downhills, or donning your Lycra for weekend tours of the countryside. Either way, learning some simple first aid will help you to look after your fellow cyclists in an emergency. This quick guide will help you through first aid scenarios you may encounter on a ride. #UpYourGame redcross.org.uk/sportsfirstaid

2 Broken bone Limb injuries such as broken bones are the most common injuries experienced by recreational cyclists. How to recognise: The person may be in pain and have bruising or swelling following a fall or blow from an object. Their limb may look out of shape or be bent at an unusual angle. Key action: Keep the injury still and supported. 1 Help the person to support the injury using their hand or items of clothing (such as a spare cycling jersey or t-shirt) to prevent unnecessary movement. 2 Get the person to hospital. Call 999 if necessary. Q: What can I do if they are A: in lots of pain? Q: If they can move it or can A: stand on it, does this means it probably isn t broken? You can give them the recommended dose of paracetamol or another painkiller to relieve the pain. Not necessarily. The person may still have a broken bone even if they can move the limb. The only accurate way to diagnose a broken bone is to x-ray it.

3 Bleeding heavily A fall from a bike can result in a cut or wound that may bleed heavily. How to recognise: Blood is flowing heavily from a wound. It is not possible to stop the bleeding with a plaster. Key action: Put pressure on the wound. 1 Put pressure on the wound with whatever is available to stop or slow down the flow of blood. 2 Call 999 as soon as possible or get someone else to do it. 3 Keep pressure on the wound until help arrives. Q: What can I use to put A: pressure on the wound? Q: Should I elevate the wound? A: Use anything available to you it doesn t need to be dressing pads from a first aid kit. You can use your hand, their hand, a t-shirt, a towel anything that can be put over the wound to stop the flow of blood. Your priority should always be to apply pressure to the wound. This is the most effective way to stop the blood flow. Once pressure has been applied you can elevate the wound above the level of the heart if you are able to. However you should ensure that you continue to apply pressure at the same time.

4 Diabetic emergency In a diabetic emergency, a person s blood sugar levels may become too low. This is called hypoglycaemia. It can happen when the person has missed a meal or exercised too much such as on a tough cycle ride. If left untreated, a diabetic emergency can become very serious. How to recognise: The person may know they have diabetes and be able to tell you what to do. They may sweat a lot or say they feel faint or weak. They may be drowsy, confused or appear drunk. Key action: Give the person something sugary to eat or drink. 1 Give them a sweet, sugary 2 drink or something sweet to eat. Reassure the person. Most people will gradually improve but if in doubt call 999 or get someone else to do it. Q: What should I give them A: to eat or drink? Q: But some people have A: high blood sugar levels so won t sugary drinks or food make their diabetic emergency worse? You can give them sugary drinks such as isotonic sports drinks and fruit juice or sweet foods such as chocolate, energy bars, and jelly beans. The person may also be carrying glucose gel or tablets. Avoid giving them a diet drink as these don t have sugar in and will not help them. Some people do have high blood sugar levels but giving them sugary drinks or food is unlikely to do any harm.

5 Dehydration Dehydration is mainly the result of excessive sweating during sporting activities, especially in hot weather. How to recognise: The person may say they have a headache, feel dizzy or that they have a cramp. Key action: Give the person plenty of fluids to drink. 1 Give the person plenty of fluids to drink. 2 If the person has a cramp, stretch and massage the affected muscles and advise them to rest. 3 If they continue to be unwell, seek medical advice. Q: What should I give the A: person to drink? Isotonic drinks or oral rehydration solutions are best for replacing both fluids and lost salts. Water is usually sufficient if these drinks are not available.

6 Choose your way to learn first aid There is a lot more to learn about first aid when it comes to sport-related emergencies. By learning simple first aid skills, you will feel more confident to help someone in an emergency. Download the app You can learn first aid anytime, anywhere with the free Red Cross first aid app. This essential app includes simple step-by-step advice, useful videos, animations and quizzes. It s never been easier to learn first aid and be prepared for what life brings. Get the app now from Apple or Android app stores. Take a course Our First aid for adults course covers a range of emergency situations suitable for members of the public involved in sports activities. Emergency first aid for sport (group booking) If you are involved in teaching or training sports activities and may need to know basic first aid, you can book this one-day course. It will equip you with the skills you need to feel confident helping someone in an emergency. The emergency first aid for sport certificate is valid for three years. To book a course visit redcrosstraining.co.uk or call