First Aid Basics
What does RICER stand for?
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral
A player rolls their ankle. What’s your first response?
What’s your first response?Apply RICER immediately – rest, ice, compress, elevate, refer for further care
What system sends messages from the brain to the muscles?
Nervous system
How do the muscular and skeletal systems work together during sport?
Muscles contract and pull on bones to create movement (musculoskeletal system)
What system helps repair torn muscle fibres after sport?
Muscular system (with support from endocrine system)
What is the first thing you do in a first aid situation?
Check for danger to yourself and others (DRSABCD step 1: Danger)
A teammate collapses during a game. They’re not breathing. What do you do?
Call 000, start CPR (30 compressions: 2 breaths), and get an AED if available
What two systems work together to move your body?
Muscular and skeletal systems
How does the nervous system help with reaction time?
Sends fast signals from the brain to muscles to respond quickly to stimuli
What hormone helps muscles recover and grow?
Growth hormone or testosterone
Why is it important to wear gloves when treating bleeding?
To protect yourself and the injured person from infection and disease
A student hits their head and seems dazed. What steps do you take?
Stop them from playing, monitor for concussion symptoms, do not let them return to activity, seek medical help
What system brings oxygen to the muscles during movement?
Respiratory system (with help from the cardiovascular system)
How do the digestive and endocrine systems support energy for movement?
Digestive system breaks down food into glucose, endocrine system releases hormones (like insulin) to regulate energy use
How does hydration support body recovery?
Regulates temperature, replaces fluids lost in sweat, supports organ function
What should you do if someone has a nosebleed during sport?
Sit them down, lean them forward, pinch the soft part of the nose for 10–15 minutes
During a cross-country run, a student is wheezing and forgot their puffer. What do you do?
Sit them upright, stay calm, look for another reliever, call 000 if breathing doesn’t improve
Which system breaks down food to fuel movement?
Digestive System
What three systems are most involved in running? Explain their roles.
Muscular (movement), respiratory (oxygen intake), cardiovascular (oxygen delivery and circulation)
Which body system removes waste products like lactic acid?
Cardiovascular system (through blood flow and circulation)
When should you call 000 in a sporting injury?
If the injury is life-threatening or beyond basic first aid (e.g. unconscious, not breathing, major fractures, asthma attack not improving)
A swimmer gets a leg cramp in the water. What’s the safest way to help?
Get them safely to the side of the pool, stretch and massage the muscle, encourage hydration and rest
What is the main function of the skeletal system during movement?
Provides structure, support, and acts as attachment points for muscles
How can poor digestion impact performance and recovery in sport?
Lack of energy, poor nutrient absorption, slow recovery, dehydration, fatigue
Name 3 things you can do to help your body recover after intense activity.
Rest, hydrate, stretch, eat protein-rich food, sleep, cool down