Physical activity, movement and exercise all have many positive benefits to the health and wellbeing of participants, however there are also many risks involved that can impact on an individual's physical health. The level of risk varies from sport to sport and can range from minor through to life-threatening scenarios. First aid plays a role in helping to minimise the risk of injury and accidents, as well as providing the appropriate follow-up to promote effective medical care and recovery.

Sporting clubs and organisations are legally required to have a range of safe participation policies and guidelines to ensure the safety of participants, officials and spectators. In modern society, it is imperative that risk management procedures are considered ahead of time, and mitigating steps are taken to lessen the risk of identified hazards and injuries. Failure to do so can leave clubs, organisations and individuals exposed to legal penalties if something happens that is deemed to have been preventable.

On an individual level, people are also responsible for their own health and wellbeing during movement and competitive performance. All sports and activities have their own unique risks, and simple steps should be followed to minimise the risk and severity of injuries if they occur. 

People should consider: 

• adequate physical preparation for the activity (e.g. skill and technique development, physical fitness for the activity, warming up and warming down) 

• following the rules and procedures that are intended for safety (e.g. following the rules about dangerous play in hockey, cycling safely on the roads and being a respectful road user) 

• ensuring the use of protective equipment that is correctly fitting and in good order (e.g. usinga range of protective equipment for downhill mountain bike racing, and using professionally f itted mouthguards in hockey) 

• inspecting facilities, grounds and equipment for safety (e.g. checking for divots and sharp objects on football fields, and ensuring netball courts are dry and free from loose gravel) 

• preparing for climatic conditions that can increase the risk of hypothermia due to cold (e.g. correct layers of clothing, and waterproof layers if wet) or hyperthermia due to heat (e.g. adequate hydration, cool clothing and avoiding hottest times of day). 

• the use of preventative (prophylactic) taping can decrease risk of joint sprains (e.g. ankle inversion in basketball), and other guards for joints to provide stability and support.

How to perform CPR

• Position the casualty on their back on a firm surface. No bed or lounge.

• Landmark the lower part of the sternum by visualising the centre of chest, between the nipples.

• Place the heel of one hand in the correct position on the lower part of the sternum.

• Grasp the wrist of that hand or interlock the fingers of the upper hand with the lower hand, piggyback style.

• Keeping your elbows straight, use your body weight to compress and exert pressure through the heel of the lower hand.

• Compressions must be rhythmic, aiming for roughly 100-120 compressions per minute. Think of the song "Baby Shark" to find a rhythm (sorry!).

• Give 30 compressions followed by two "rescue breaths", aiming for 5 cycles every 2 minutes.

• You need to make sure you rotate with someone to prevent fatigue.

Using the first aid materials, follow the instructions to apply the following 3 types of slings on a partner: Arm Sling, Elevated Arm Sling and Collar and Cuff Sling.

Don't forget to identify when and why each of the slings would be used, providing specific sporting examples.

Splints are used for suspected fractures of the leg or arm. 

In groups, you will be allocated specific first aid scenarios. You must respond using the appropriate course of action, whilst justifying your actions. As a first responder, you must be able to prioritise casualties and severity of injuries to provide the most effective care possible. Your response could be the difference between life and death.