injuries2

Hematoma formation ia a common injury in athletics involving physical contact. In martial arts it usually results from a blow or kick to a soft area. A hematoma is a collection of blood in a area near an injury. Bleeding from the injured tissue collects in one place pushing other tissue away, forming a pocket of blood. The primary goal of treating hematoma is aimed at stopping any more bleeding, then absorbing the blood that has already collected. Immediately applying pressure & ice to the injured area will help stop further bleeding & reduce swelling. An elastic wrap applied with an ice pack incorporated into the wrapping accomplishes both purposes. Large hematomas are best treated by puncturing the wound with a needle, but this should only be done by a physician under strict steril conditions. After pressure & ice have been applied the site should be protected from any further injury until the healing process is complete. Dicolouration of the skin may be extensive during the healing process & is par for the course of hematoma injury.

Being prepared is the first step in being able to adequately handle emrgency situations when they occur. The first aid kit should be large enough to hold the needed supplies & it Should be unlocked & available during class time. All supplies in the bag should be clearly marked & used items should be replaced immediately to avoid running out. It is also a good idea to tape the local emergency numbers to the outside of the kit. The recommended supplies for a martial arts first aid kit are :

Guaze bandages (sterile) cut into 2"x 2" & 4"x 4".
Guaze rolls 2" wide (one box of 12).
White porus tape in 1" & 2" (six of each).
A small packet of cotton balls.
Elastic bandages, 3" or 4" wide.
Oval eye bandages.
Band-Aids of assorted sizes.
One pair of bandage scissors (these have blunt ends & designed to remove bandages).
Bayonet forceps (you can get these from any medical supply shop)
Slings : A simple, adjustable sling, medium sized. A sheet or towel can be substituted for the sling, but it requires being folded into a triangular shape & then being tied around the neck.
Splints : These can be purchased or simple wooden boards 4" wide & 12" long cut out of 1/4" plywood. These should be wrapped with cloth or tape to avoid splinters. In a pinch, layers of cardboard or newspapers can be formed into a slint for tempary use. Finger splints can be purchased in assorted sizes from a chemist or medical supply store.
A rubber tournaquet : 1" or 2" wide. A wide belt can also be used.
A plastic oral airway tube small & medium size.
A small pocket flashlight.
An ice supply. This can be either a purchased cold compress that must be activated, or if you have an refrigerator ice cubes.
Medium sized plastic bags, used to apply ice to wounds.
A plastic container used to hold water for imersing a foot, ankle or elbow injury.
An antibiotic ointment (Mycitracin Ointment which is non-presciption).
Liquid soap, for washing skin wounds.
Isopropyl alcohol, for use as an antiseptic.

The actual kit only needs to be big enough to hold all of the supplies & can range from a doctors bag, to a small carrying case, to a fishing-tackle box.