Safety and Spring Sports
MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital strives to keep kids safe from injury
With the beginning of spring, there is the usual explosion of children and their families wanting to hike, ride bikes, and participate in outdoor sports. Physical activity is great for a lifetime of health, and absolutely necessary for normal growth in children. But when it gets too intense or excessive, there is a heightened risk for injuries.
“The majority of team sports require specific protective gear to help prevent injuries, and that is very important,” says Graham Tse, M.D., chief medical officer, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. Dr. Tse adds, “But it is also important for parents to inquire about their child’s team’s organized sports safety measures, and whether all coaches have been trained in first aid and certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”
The vital need for CPR education was demonstrated in the sudden and shocking cardiac arrest of 24-year-old football player, Damar Hamlin, during a televised NFL game on January 2. Upon standing up after a routine tackle, Hamlin – a safety for the Buffalo Bills — collapsed on the field. His heart had stopped. But a highly trained team physicians and paramedics saved his life, then he was transported quickly to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“It got a lot of people’s attention,” Dr. Tse says. “This was a dramatic demonstration of how expertise and skills can successfully deal with a sudden extreme event.”
“Cardiac arrest is not a common injury in youth sports, but it’s not as rare as people might think,” Dr. Tse notes. “It’s always best to be on the safe side.”
“Parents and coaches need to learn CPR,” Dr. Tse adds. “Many places offer CPR training, and most often at no cost. It doesn’t take long to learn effective chest compression, and you can save the life of someone, even a loved one. In a cardiac event, seconds count for survival.”
Group sports can also have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on location, which will deliver a dosage of an electric current to the heart. “But you also need people on hand who know how to use a defibrillator,” Dr. Tse emphasizes.
There is a wide range of less extreme potential injuries to younger athletes, from muscle strains and tears to contact injuries. Of great concern, though, are blows to the head and possible concussion.
“Coaches need to know the symptoms of a concussion and immediately pull the athlete out of the game,” Dr. Tse explains. “Concussion symptoms include blurred vision, dizziness, confusion and pain.”
“We know that sequential concussions can cause permanent brain damage,” Dr. Tse notes. “Concussions need days to weeks or longer to heal.”
Prevention strategies include pre-sports physical exams to detect any issues that might occur on the playing field. Dr. Tse says parents need to be their children’s advocate and “ask questions about coach training and the protocol for injuries.” And whenever protective equipment is required, make sure their child uses it.
“Also, watch the behavior of the coaches and other parents,” Dr. Tse adds. “Kids notice how adults behave, and they will mimic what adults do. For example, I love to see families out for a bike ride, but my pet peeve is that I see the kids are wearing helmets, and the adults are often not.”
“I don’t know why that is, but everyone riding a bicycle should wear a safety helmet to prevent head injuries,“Dr. Tse explains. “Don’t take chances. Wearing the helmet could save your life. Getting outside to play is fantastic, but always play it safe.”