NPCFL Medical Reference Guide

This guide is to be used as a reference tool and not a definitive manual. If there is ever any question always be conservative in your approach to the player’s injury. When in doubt, remove the injured player from the game/practice and have the player’s family consult a physician. If an injury appears severe, call 911.

Head and Neck Injuries:

Ensure that your players do not use their heads to hit with. Regularly inspect helmets for condition and fit. Have the player stay where he/she is at and keep the player calm and still. Call 911. Do not attempt to remove the helmet. If access to the player’s face is necessary, carefully remove the facemask from the helmet.

Bumps and Bruises:

Always evaluate the injured area to ensure there is no injury to the bone or internal organs. In most cases an ice will suffice.

Cuts and Scrapes:

Clean wounds with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage as necessary. Large cuts may require stitches and/or a tetanus shot.

Sprains and Strains:

A “twisted” ankle must be given proper evaluation and care. Left untreated a sprain could lead to frequent reoccurrence and further injury. Severe sprains require a doctor’s attention to rule out a fracture. Minor sprains can be treated with:

  • Rest - For one to two days, rest the ankle to allow healing. As the ankle starts to feel better, he/she can begin to put weight on the leg gradually and perhaps do some stretching and strengthening exercises.
  • Ice - Ice packs or cold packs are most effective when you start to apply them soon after the injury and for about the next 48 hours. Leave the ice pack on the ankle for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Repeat application about every two or three hours.
  • Compression - In between icing the ankle, wrap it in an elastic or other type of bandage. Be careful not to wrap it so tight that you cut off circulation.
  • Elevation - Resting the foot on the coffee table is not good enough. When we say elevate, we mean raise it higher than the heart. It is hard to do with an ankle unless the patient is lying down or at least in a semi-reclining position.

Concussions:

Athletes who take a serious blow to the head should see a doctor immediately. They should leave the game for the day if they lose consciousness or have persistent or delayed symptoms.

Common symptoms include the following:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vertigo
  • Vomiting
  • Brief loss of consciousness
  • Light-headedness
  • Amnesia
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Balance problems

The signs can be subtle, and can clear up quickly or last hours or days. Even after symptoms are gone, neurological research has shown that lasting 'bruises' on brain tissue may still be present. Rest, sleep, protection from additional impact and abstinence from alcohol can allow the brain to heal.

Heat Injuries:

The best way to treat heat injuries is to avoid them in the first place. Encourage the players and coaches to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Coaches, use common sense in hot weather… take more frequent and longer water breaks, have players remove their helmets and shoulder pads for end of practice running and even reduce practice time. Heat cramps are usually the first sign of trouble. The warning signs of heat stroke usually occur after a hard workout and may include cramps, spasms, and twitching in the leg, arm and abdominal muscles.

Heat stroke symptoms include:

  • Disorientation
  • No sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Unconsciousness
  • High body temperature

Initial treatment should include:

  • Removing the player to a shaded area.
  • Removing the helmet and pads.
  • Having the player drink as much cool water as possible.