Introduction

Since 1993 the FA has provided the Emergency Aid course. From this, it has been identified the need for a more comprehensive First Aid course, to provide a person with the knowledge and skills to deal with injuries that occur on the field of play from the minor to the severe. This course will identify these injuries and deliver the knowledge and skills required to treat them.

For Whom is the Course Intended?

The Football Association's "" is a comprehensive course, aimed at personnel acting as 'Manager', 'Coach', 'Trainer', or 'Therapist' for Amateur and Youth Clubs and for Teachers responsible for school teams. This course is designed for all levels of football and other sports.

The course will provide participants with the opportunity to gain fundamental knowledge and skills in order to recognise and manage common injuries sustained in football and other sports and administer immediate "Non-Emergency" first aid care.

Pre-Course Requirements

There are no entry requirements for this course. Prior to enrolling on the course, it is recommended that candidates should have attended an FA Emergency Aid Training Course or a recognised valid course in Emergency Aid offered by St John Ambulance or The British Red Cross.

Course Aim

To train a person in the basic knowledge of first aid. It will provide a person with the skills required to identify injuries and provide a level of first aid to prevent these injuries worsening by applying these first aid principles on the pitch side.

Course Objectives

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

i. List or outline the tasks of a first aider for sport.
ii. Describe the pre-game/event preparation for duties as a "first aider".
iii. Outline the general structure and function of the relevant body tissues.
iv. Define common injuries in football and sport.
v. Describe the injury classification used for sports injuries.
vi. Describe the reaction of tissues to injuries and the degrees of tissue damage.
vii. Demonstrate the recognition/identification of injuries using the "SALTAPS" on-field injury assessment routine.
viii. Describe the signs and symptoms of common injuries and methods used in the testing and recognition/differentiation of injuries.
ix. Demonstrate practical first aid and management of injuries sustained in football and sport.
x. Explain the importance of advice and actions to prevent or reduce injury.
xi. Describe the important aspects of an Injury Report Form and an Emergency Information Form.

Course of Training

· Minimum 14 hours contact
· Suggested 8 hours pre-course reading
· In-course study

Assessment/Certification

Assessments will be conducted on a continual assessment basis throughout the course using first aid scenarios for practical assessment.

What is the Duration of the Course?

The course involves a minimum of 14 contact hours. Students will be expected to prepare themselves through pre-course reading (8 - 10 hours) using the FA's 's course workbook. In-course practice of skills is expected.

What is the Duration of the Qualification?

The FA qualification is valid for 3 years, after which, attendance on a further course is required.

Where Can I Study?

In 2003, this new course will be piloted at The FA's Medical and Exercise Science Department based at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Newport, Shropshire TF10 9AT as a 3 day residential course.

Course Syllabus

Course Introduction

· Course Aims and Objectives
· Legalities and Ethics

The First Aider for Sport

· Duties and Responsibilities
· First Aid Priorities and General Treatment Principles
· Pre-event Preparation

Basic Anatomy and Physiology of the Body Tissues

Injury

· Injury Classification/Definitions
· Effects and Reaction of Tissues to Injury
· Degrees of Injury

"On-Field Injury Assessment Routine"

· "SALTAPS" Regime

Recognition of and First Aid Practical Training for Injuries Sustained in Association Football and Sport

· Fractures - General
· Head Injury
· Slings, Supports and Dressings
· Injuries to Joints
· Minor Cuts/Abrasions/Skin Burns
· Fractures to Clavicle/Ribs
· Ligament Injuries - Sprains
· SALTAPS - "On Field" Assessment Routine
· Muscle/Tendon Injuries:-
· Strains
· Contusions
· Ruptures
· Fracture to Cheekbone/Mandible
· Winded Player
· Muscle Cramp
· Neck and Spinal Injury

Injury Reporting

· Injury Report Form

Awareness of Other Medical Conditions

The Medical Bag

· Types
· Contents
   - Essential items
   - Useful items but not essential