Temple Street launches ‘one-stop shop’ website on sports injuries in children and people
Today Temple Street Children’s University Hospital announces the official launch of www.sportsinjuries.ie which has been developed to give clear and concise guidance on what to do if an injury occurs on the pitch and how the range of injuries that are commonly seen on the pitch can be prevented. This comprehensive and ‘easy to navigate’ website, which is also ‘mobile friendly’, is primarily intended for those without medical training including parents, coaches and fellow players.
www.sportsinjuries.ie has been compiled by a multidisciplinary team in Temple Street led by Professor Alf Nicholson, Consultant Paediatrician, Temple Street and RCSI Professor of Paediatrics with additional expertise and advice from Professor John Ryan, Emergency Medicine Physician, St Vincent’s University Hospital and Dr Ronan Kearney, Department of Sports Medicine, Trinity College Dublin. Professor Nicholson has acted as a coach to youth rugby teams in Boyne RFC and as Medical Advisor to the Clongowes Wood College Senior Cup team and Professor Ryan has worked for many years with both Leinster and Ireland rugby teams and has a long term interest in the management of concussion.
Speaking about the launch of the website, Professor Alf Nicholson, Consultant Paediatrician, Temple Street said “It is likely that one player will present with a suspected injury in every rugby match and so there is clear evidence that those on the side line including parents and coaches and back-up medical personnel if they are available should be trained to recognise potentially serious injuries.”
“www.sportsinjuries.ie is divided into seven sections including first aid, concussion, common injuries and their management , injuries specific to the younger player, advice and guidance regarding nutrition and strength and conditioning training and common medical conditions young players including asthma , diabetes and epilepsy with quick and easy reference to the facts” continued Professor Nicholson.
www.sportsinjuries.ie comprises a number of headline pieces of advice as follows;
- Apply World Rugby’s 6 R’s for concussion and ensure the player rests fully and avoids reading and screen watching for 2-3 days
- Chin and eyebrow lacerations can be managed with steristrips
- Keep any tooth that has been knocked out in milk as it may be successfully replanted by a dentist
- For nosebleeds apply firm pressure for at least 10 minutes with the players head bent forward
- For shoulder dislocation , early reduction with adequate pain relief is important
- For ear haematoma apply ice and compression and do not be tempted to drain
- Apply the RICER (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Referral ) approach for all soft tissue injuries
- Applying a neck collar is not for amateurs
- Do not attempt to reduce a nasal fracture on the side-line
- Supplements should be avoided under 18 years of age
www.sportsinjuries.ie is supported by the Schools Section of the Leinster Branch with special thanks to Mr Stephen O Hara . The website will also be monitored for traffic and will be continuously updated to reflect new information and advice on the prevention and management of sports injuries in children and young people.
