This club is strongly committed to encouraging our members to train hard and compete, but the health, well-being and safety of each individual is always our paramount concern.

FIRST AID POLICY:

1. Equipment
• Gum shields must be worn by all players during any contact rugby to prevent both teeth and head injury.
• Protective clothing such as scrum hats may be worn but are not advised as evidence suggests they can encourage more risk taking by players
• A first aid bag should be available at every match – Appendix 3
2. Prevention and treatment
• Each age group should have a minimum of two first aiders having taken an RFU recognised course
• The first aider/aiders present should ensure that they have identified themselves at the commencement of each contact session/match.
• All First Aiders to have the contact details of Nominated First Aider Nigel Nutkins 07950809851
• Physiotherapists to be available for senior first team matches
• The membership secretary to advise the Welfare Director of any medical issues identified on the RFU registration form. Contact to be made with the parent/carer to risk assess and identify any agreed actions. Permission to be sought to share information with appropriate personnel ie Coach, first aiders.
• Coaches to ensure all players are fit to play and or train
• All players to declare any injury or health issue
3. Record keeping
• Incident/Accident forms to be completed on every occasion that a player leaves the field of play and is unable to return
• Incident/Accident forms to be completed if a player seeks medical attention following a match or training
• Completed Incident/Accident forms to be sent to welfare@tringrugby.com or delivered to the First Aid room
• Monthly Audit of Incident/Accident forms to be undertaken and shared with the management team and coaches

AS A CLUB MEMBER YOU HAVE A DUTY TO:

• Take reasonable care for your own health & safety and that of others who may be affected by what you do or not do

• Co-operate with the club on First Aid and health & safety issues

• Correctly use all equipment provided by the club

• Not interfere with or misuse anything provided for your health, safety or welfare.

PROCEDURE IF AN ACCIDENT OR INJURY OCCURS (OTHER THAN DURING A GAME)

• If you witness an accident or injury apparently requiring medical attention, bring this matter to the attention of a Committee member or duty member of staff (e.g. bar steward) who will take steps to ensure that suitable help is given.
• The Committee member or staff member will contact the duty first aider or seek medical assistance from the Ambulance Service.
• It is the responsibility of all persons managing events including games at the club to ensure that ambulance access is maintained at all times. No parking cones are provided by the club to facilitate this.
• The Committee member or staff member must ensure that all accidents and injuries are recorded in the Club Accident Book which is held in the bar area for this purpose.

PROCEDURE IF AN INJURY OR ACCIDENT OCCURS DURING A GAME

• The club will as far as is practicable with available trained resources comply with RFU guidance on effective treatment of injuries.
• The club will ensure that there is suitable trained and qualified first aid assistance available at all games played on club premises. If the match is not organised by the club, the organisers have responsibility for providing first aid support. The name of the nominated person must be notified to the supervising club member present. Nigel Nutkins is the Tring RFU nominated First Aider
• It is the responsibility of all persons managing events including games at the club to ensure that ambulance access is maintained at all times. No parking cones are provided by the club to facilitate this.
• If an injury occurs in the course of play, the appointed first aid person will assess the injury and treat as appropriate.
• If an injury is so serious that the appointed person assesses hospital treatment is required, an ambulance should be contacted through the 999 or 112 system. The 112 system has the advantage of GPS and will override passwords etc on a mobile phone. The address of the club is. The appointed person may deem it necessary that the player remains in situ until removed by ambulance personnel. If practicable, play may be moved to another pitch. If no pitch is available, the game should be suspended or if necessary abandoned – advice of the match official should be sought. The appointed person should ensure that another person is designated to meet the ambulance at the club entrance and direct it to the precise location of the injury.
• If the injury appears to one of a catastrophic nature (severe spinal or head injury likely to result in paralysis), the appointed person shall ensure that the player is not moved without expert medical advice. The match must be moved or abandoned in consultation with the match official. The club duty officer should consider what steps need to be taken to ensure an air ambulance (if required) can land at the club – if necessary, other games occurring that day may need to be suspended or abandoned in consultation with the match official.
• If the injury results in the player being detained in hospital over-night, the club MUST report the incident using the appropriate form from the RFU web site (link: http://www.rfu.com/ManagingRugby/FirstAid/Injuries )
• Appendix 1 – Incident/Accident form
• Appendix 2 – RFU Concussion guide
• Appendix 3 – First Aid bag contents

CLUB HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICER:

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

FIRST AID:
Location of first aid facilities:

First Aid room Club house…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

QUALIFIED CLUB FIRST AIDERS:

Nigel Nutkins 07950809851………………………………………………………………………………………………

Appendix 3 – First Aid Equipment provided at the club

On Site First Aid Facilities
First aid bags should be made of suitable material and designed to protect the contents from damp and dust. A well-stocked first aid bag should contain the following:
• Guidance card
• Assorted adhesive dressings (plasters) x 20
• Sterile eye pads (No. 16) x 2
• Medium sterile wound dressings (No. 8) x 6
• Large sterile wound dressings (No. 9) x 2
• Short life triangular bandages x 4
• Disposable gloves (pair) x 3
• Antiseptic wipes x 6
• Emergency foil blanket x 1
• Disposable resuscitation aid x 1
Under no circumstances should prescription drugs be administered by first aiders or kept in the first aid box. Boxes should be clearly labelled and easily accessible. Emergency first aid should only be given by appropriately trained persons and a list of all qualified first aiders should be made clearly available.