Coaches Medical Protocol

KANTURK RFC

COACHES MEDICAL PROTOCOL

SERIOUS INJURY [Loss of Consciousness, Cardiac problem, Spinal injury, Serious Fractures etc.]

1. Seek the assistance of any present Medical Professional or Safe Rugby Officer.
2. Call Emergency Services immediately on 112 or 999.
3. Call Dr. Cormac Lyons on 087 2569224.
4. Call a SAFE Rugby Officer (refer above), if one is not already present.
5. Call the player’s Parent or Guardian, if one is not already present.

DO remain calm, ensure the player is as comfortable as possible and await the arrival of Medical Services

DO NOT attempt to move the player or attend to the player if not suitably qualified to do so.

MODERATE TO SERIOUS INJURY [Head injury,Abrasions,Suspected fracture,Ligament damage etc.]

1. Remove the player from the field of play immediately.
2. Call Dr. Cormac Lyons 087 2569224 OR South Doc on 1850 335 999 if Dr. Lyons is unavailable.
3. Call a SAFE Rugby Officer (refer above), if not already present.
4. Call the player’s Parent or Guardian, if not already present.
5. Follow the direction of the Medical Professional or Safe Rugby Officer

DO remain calm and follow the instruction of the Medical Professional

DO NOT attempt to diagnose the injured player if not suitably qualified to do so.

MINOR INJURIES [Blisters, Minor cuts, bleeding nose, Muscle strains, Sprains]

1. Withdraw the player from the field of play.
2. Contact the player’s Parent or Guardian at the end of the game or training and provide details to them of the incident – Do not presume the player will do it.
3. Offer the Parent or Guardian the option to refer to Dr. Cormac Lyons.
4. Follow up with the Parent or Guardian after 24 hours to enquire about the player and again offer the option to refer to Dr. Cormac Lyons.

DO use your common sense regarding the seriousness of an injury.

DO NOT attempt to diagnose the injured player if not suitably qualified to do so.

INCIDENT REPORT

In the 12 – 24 hour period following any Serious Injury or Moderate to Serious Injury the Coach MUST complete an incident report and forward to their respective director of Rugby.

PHYSIOTHERAPY / THERAPY / X-RAYS / SCANS / OTHER MEDICAL

If an injury (non life threatening / non medical assistance) requires further medical treatment, initial assessment must be carried out by Dr. Cormac Lyons. No Medical expenses will be covered by Kanturk RFC without the appropriate referral from Dr. Cormac Lyons.

CONCUSSION

All Coaches and Management must adhere to the professional protocol set down by the IRFU.

If there is a suspected head injury/concussion, remove the player from play immediately. Every coach, parent and Guardian must be made familiar with the protocol. The protocol is available at:

http://www.irishrugby.ie/downloads/IRFU-Guide-to-Concussion.pdf