Minimum first aid requirements Posted on Monday, May 09, 2005 - 12:56 It is expected of the SA Rugby to provide Guidelines to its affiliates on all aspects of the game. The provision of minimum basic first aid (primary field side care) is no exception. It should be borne in mind that adhering to these requirements would vary from province to province, club to club and school to school depending on the economics of that province/ district /club or school. Distinction should therefore be made between International/ Provincial and club and schools rugby The following Minimum Requirements are recommended:   A. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST AID EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES AT PROVINCIAL AND INTERNATIONAL RUGBY MATCHES   1. PERSONNEL Suitably trained Sports Physician /Orthopaedic Surgeon. This person to act as the official Match Doctor whose duties are clearly defined in the IRB handbook for international matches and in the Participation Agreements for domestic competitions. The following Specialist services, if available, will benefit all players. It is not mandatory for these persons to be present at the field but they should be on standby Physiotherapist Dental surgeon Neurosurgeon Physician Plastic/Reconstructive surgeon ENT surgeon 1.2 Suitably trained Emergency Field-Side Care Workers(First Aider). Paramedics trained in Advanced Life Support Care would be preferable. E.g. Netcare 911/ER24 Additional "Intermediate" trained first aiders to treat minor injuries of spectators e.g. Red Cross/ St.John’s Fully equipped ambulance staffed by paramedics. Registered Nursing Sister Trauma Management trained physician to take charge of medical room If problems with traffic foreseen then a helicopter should be on standby 2. EMERGENCY TREATMENT ROOM 2.1 A treatment room should be available at each ground and this should be used specifically for this purpose only. 2.2 Electric lighting 2.3 Running water 2.4 Examination couches x 2. 2.5 A trauma board or any other suitable stretcher. 2.6 Blanket. 2.7 Access to telephone in order to summon further medical assistance or an ambulance if necessary. Telephone numbers of Specialists on-call must be available. Medications necessary to deal with all life-threatening situations. Suturing equipment Equipment such as defibrillator and other resuscitation equipment to deal with medical emergencies.     B. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRST AID PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT AT ALL CLUB AND SCHOOLS MATCHES   1. PERSONNEL A person or persons suitably trained in Emergency Field-Side Care (A Trained First Aider or Para medic). At least 2 trainee first aid assistants Referees/coaches who have First Aid knowledge could be of immense value Some form of transport should be readily available if it is not possible to have an ambulance on standby. An ambulance at the playing venue is the ideal. The presence of a Sports Medicine Trained doctor or a doctor experienced in treating sports injuries is highly recommended 2. FIRST AID EQUIPMENT 2.1. Trauma Board or any other suitable stretcher. 2.2. Acceptable First Aid Kit which should include the following:- (i) Splints (ii) Neck Brace (iii) Trauma Bandages (iv) Antiseptics and strapping   NOTE: If the minimum Medical requirements at a field are not met, then a rugby match should not be allowed to take place. The referee must ensure that these basic minimum requirements are met before allowing the match to commence. SPINE LINE NUMBER TOLL FREE NUMBER; 0800-678678   Current – May 2005. DR.ISMAIL JAKOET