Mat-Side First Aid: Handling Combat Sport Injuries

First-aid stations focused on the most common injuries in wrestling and combat sports: sprains, head impacts, nosebleeds, dislocations and loss of consciousness. It ends with a drill where each group must apply the check-call-care approach to a surprise scenario.

How to play

1. Review check-call-care (make the scene safe, call for help, give care) and how to call 911 with the key information (4 min).
2. Station 1, ankle or wrist sprain: protect, relative rest, cold pack wrapped in a cloth, compression with an elastic bandage and elevation (5 min).
3. Station 2, head impact: checklist of warning signs (loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, worsening headache) and the rule of no return to activity that day (5 min).
4. Station 3, nosebleed and dislocation: lean the head forward and pinch the nose; for a dislocation, don't try to put it back, immobilize it in the most comfortable position and call for help (5 min).
5. Station 4, unconscious person who is breathing: check for response and breathing and place in the recovery position (5 min).
6. Drill: the teacher presents a surprise scenario during a bout, and each group responds with check-call-care while another group evaluates with a checklist (6 min).

Rules

• Never try to put a joint back in place or move someone with a suspected neck injury.
• When practicing the recovery position, roll the partner slowly on an exercise mat.
• Handle first-aid supplies carefully and return them after each station.
• Don't wrap bandages so tight that fingers go numb: check color and feeling.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: makes the 911 call and coordinates the group during the drill.
• Hearing impairment: station cards include picture-based steps, and a signal is agreed on to start the drill.
• Autism: knows in advance what kind of scenarios will come up and gets a fixed role.

Learning goals

• Apply check-call-care to an injury during a wrestling activity.
• Respond correctly to sprains, head impacts, bleeding, dislocations and loss of consciousness.
• Recognize warning signs that mean practice must stop.

Equipment for a class of 25

• first-aid kit: 1
• elastic bandages: 10
• exercise mats: 8
• worksheets: 5

Teacher tip

Make it clear that current guidelines advise against putting ice directly on the skin; if the school has an AED, show students where it is.

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