Believe it or not, it’s time to start preparing for the sports season. You never know when an accident could happen. Stocking up on first aid supplies for the sports (or even better, a whole Kit!) is a great way to be ready for anything. Whether you’re a proactive athlete seeking personal protection, a cautious parent or sports-fan ready to help, or a prepared coach, we have the First Aid Supplies you need.
Ice Packs
One of the most useful First Aid products to have on the sidelines of a is an Ice Pack. Ice Packs are ideal for treating bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, and any swelling. These can occur from most of the common sports injuries. However, you may find that they come in handy even in the office. Ice packs relieve any pain by not only numbing the injured area but also by reducing the inflammation (and even the bleeding if the injury broke skin). Reducing swelling will decrease the pain and also prevent further damage. In severe injuries, swelling can cause more problems as damaged tissue fills with blood. Controlling swelling is very important, and that’s why it is essential to have an ice pack handy.
Instant Ice Packs
Instant Ice Packs are a good way to go for sporting events. In order to activate the ice pack, pop the liquid bubble filled with water in the center. Next, shake the ice pack to evenly distribute and mix the ingredients. This will cause an endothermic reaction between the water and the solid chemicals inside. The chemicals could be ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, or urea (these all produce a similar reaction). The pack will turn cold immediately and offer relief to the injured area for approximately 3-6 hours. The only downside to instant cold packs is that they are not reusable and cannot be re-frozen once used. However, these are better designed for emergencies. No need for a cooler, instant ice packs will do the trick. It is best to keep a surplus, but always have one or two on hand during practice or games.
Reusable Cold Packs
Reusable Cold Packs are another option for the sidelines this season. They tend to be a better at-home remedy due to the fact that they must be kept in the freezer. You will likely have to keep them in the freezer for hours in order to get cold enough. However, putting a reusable ice pack in a cooler filled with ice could keep it cold enough for a game. It can be refrozen regardless of whether or not it is being put to use. These ice packs will be more useful and home, and are not really designed for emergencies. Rather, they relieve soreness and swelling after a tough game or practice. This will help your body recover, and reduce the likelihood of other injuries.
First Aid Kits
We have a large assortment of Sports First Aid Kits that are fully stocked with must-haves. Adhesive bandages, elastic bandages, towelettes, cold packs, splints, gloves, tweezers, gauze pads, and more First Aid necessities are included.
We recommend keeping a Sports First Aid Kit on the sidelines, especially one stocked with products to treat anything from a severe strain, to an insect bite, to cleaning up a cut or scrape. Our Sport Pak Soft First Aid Kit (pictured) is chock full of supplies that are conveniently separated into modules based on injury, including: Abrasions and Minor Skin Breaks, Soft Tissue Injuries and Sprains, and Cuts and Eye Injuries.
We have covered Sport-specific First Aid practices previously on our blog: Click here for Football Safety, Click here for Soccer Safety, Click here for Field Hockey Safety.
