Western sector paramedics responded to 320 sport-related injuries in the 17 months to May 31, prompting calls for better prevention from NSW Ambulance.
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The serious injuries suffered this winter sports season have included spinal injuries and even cardiac arrest, with figures revealing paramedics were called to 1344 sports-related injuries across the state in the 12 months to May 31.
Between January 1, 2015 and May 31, 2017 there were 5003 cases statewide.
The Hunter New England sector recorded the highest number of cases over this 17-month period with 810, followed by Illawarra/South West Sydney sector with 765 cases, and North Coast sector with 736 (see breakdowns and examples below).
In terms of age, most injuries were for those aged 11 to 20 (2813), followed by 21 to 30 years (860); and 417 for those aged up to 10 years.
In April, the western sector’s cases in Dubbo included a 34-year-old male playing suffering numbness to limbs following a football tackle and a 15-year-old male, also playing football, who collapsed.
In June, paramedics in Dubbo responded to a 35-year-old female complaining of blurred vision following a collision in hockey.
In Forbes, paramedics attended to a 24-year-old female who was unconscious and suffered seizures and a spinal injury while playing football.
NSW Ambulance director education chief superintendent Alan Morrison said the number of injuries demonstrated how easily it is for someone to be seriously injured, enough to require an emergency ambulance response.
“In addition, it has placed many bystanders in the position of dealing with an emergency until paramedics arrive,” he said.
Chief Superintendent Morrison said if a person loses consciousness, the airway should be checked to ensure it is open and the patient is breathing normally.
“If breathing normally, place the patient in the recovery position. If not breathing normally, commence CPR.
“For head, neck or spinal/back injuries, do not move the patient.
“If the airway is compromised, carefully place the patient on their side, supporting the head.”
Further advice includes:
- Dial Triple Zero (000), ask for an ambulance and stay on the line
- Limb fractures – keep the patient comfortable while awaiting arrival of paramedics
- Any injury involving breathing difficulties – Sit the patient upright, loosen any tight clothing, and instruct the patient to take any medication, as prescribed by a doctor, if applicable
- Cardiac arrest – commence CPR
Chief Superintendent Morrison said sports injuries take only a fraction of a second to occur, but can impact on an entire season and even a sporting career.
“Paramedics are called to hundreds of sporting venues around the state on a regular basis for injuries which can often be avoided,” he said.
He said prevention is better than cure and injuries can be avoided with the right preparation.
To guard against injury:
- Attend training, warm up prior to activity, particularly if it is physically demanding. Match activities to your level of fitness
- Keep well hydrated
- Warm down after the game
- Keep in good health by eating well and exercising frequently, including in the off-season
- If you are injured, be sure to attend all follow-up appointments with doctors, physio etc
- In the event of a serious sporting injury/medical emergency, people should dial Triple Zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
