FIRST AID and SPORTING INJURIES

[CHAR B]

Do you think first aid kits are adequate for sports injuries? I am a design student and am trying to design a more comprehensive unit that would be based as a permanent unit on the sideline of contact sport fields/stadiums etc. I am trying to get some feedback as to what would be the best unit I could design - anyone got any ideas?

I am considering designing a permanent unit that was looked after by a first aid official (at sports grounds/stadiums etc). Then when an injury occurred, there would always be help and sports injuries could be dealt with immediately by someone who knew what they were doing. This would mean (in the long run) less money from tax payers being spent on the injury rehabilitation process. Your thoughts???

[Luke]

In what context are you designing this unit. Is it for high level or amateur sport? In most sport today in Australia, the medical staff of the clubs involved bring their own equipment. The problem being that many grounds can be used by many different associations and sports. Many clubs therefore would not pay for a kit that would be raided by others. There may be a place for a kit with higher level equipment such as defib, stretcher, (and maybe golf buggy) that are supplied at higher level sporting grounds.

[CHAR B]

The unit would be aimed at relatively competent players in their sport - but not elite (as obviously they are very well organised and supported). I am designing this to be (at present) aimed at the New Zealand market where many sports grounds cater for similar contact sports. The unit (if permanent) would obviously need to have a security system integrated into it to ensure the public cannot access it without permission. The unit would be maintained by club officials and kept restocked constantly.

[Luke]

If that is the case you will want very specific emergency medical equipment. Resuc mask, defib unit, stretcher, cervical collar, inflatable leg splits and other supplies for anything serious such as eye injuries also. The clubs themselves should have to supply supplies for strapping ankles etc... I think these specifc and usually expensive pieces of equipment are what you're looking for.

[CHAR B]

I am not sure the unit needs to be so specific - it is there as a link between basic first aid and the emergency services, but the injury supplies provided would be suitable for strains and sprains and injuries requiring splints etc. Injuries that are more easily recognisable (by first aid trained officials) than the more serious injuries involving neck and back injuries.
I want the unit to be aimed to the mid-high price range so that some schools and larger sports venues would be able to afford it.

[CHAR B]

C'mon people help me out pleeease! I'd love to design this product to be as realistic as possible. So what is it that you would want in a permanent sideline sports injury unit? What would make you and your club, want and most importantly need this unit?