Summary

The assessment and treatment of a seriously injured or ill player, requires rapid assessment of the injuries or illness and initiation of the appropriate life or limb-saving care in a safe environment. Assessment of the player’s circulation status is part of the primary survey. It is essential to use this systematic approach to recognise early signs of shock and if haemorrhagic, attempt to stop or stem the bleeding, while transferring the player to an appropriate emergency department for definitive care.

Intravenous or intra-osseous access should be obtained in a shocked player but this should not delay transfer as this can be achieved en route. Resuscitation fluid therapy is guided by the presence or absence of the radial pulse or by the systolic blood pressure and only administered in a 250ml bolus followed by reassessment. Other measures e.g. application of a pelvic binder or immobilisation of a long bone fracture should be undertaken as appropriate.