­Whether you are throwing a football, shooting a puck, swimming some laps or climbing a mountain, all athletes should be prepared for injuries to occur. As an athlete you should always be proactive and have a first aid kit on site, so that you can tend to your wound, recover quickly and minimize the impact of your injury.

It is important to consider which sport you will be participating in as certain injuries are more common in specific sports. For example, bruises, abrasions and sprained ankles are more commonly seen in baseball, so you should tailor your kit to include items that pertain to your favourite sport.  However, here is a list for some basic essentials that should be included in any athlete’s first aid kit.

1. Bandages: Every first aid kit should be fully stocked with an assortment of bandages. Band aids are essential as it is often common for athletes of any age to get scraped up during a game. Make sure to have a wide variety of small and large bandages to effectively cover and protect different sized wounds.
2. Gloves: To protect yourself and the athlete you are tending to, always have latex gloves in your first aid kit. Any time there is an open wound where blood and bodily fluids are present, you should be wearing gloves to allow for the area to remain clean and also to protect yourself and the person who is being treated from infection.
3. Antiseptic Spray: When tending to a cut or open wound, you always want to have antiseptic spray or cleaner in your first aid kit for easy access. Ensuring the wound stays clean and bacteria-free is critical for a fast and safe recovery.
4. Splints and Slings: It is very common in most contact sports such as football, hockey and rugby for athletes to break or dislocate bones. Therefore it is essential that you carry splints and slings in your first aid kit. This will allow the athlete to reduce movement to the area and ensure no further damage is caused until they arrive at the hospital.
5. Gauze Pads: These pads are sterile dressings that do not stick to the body. Gauze pads are convenient for covering large wounds with the assistance of medical tape, and are also good for cleaning the wound before applying a band aid or tending to a bloody nose.
6. Ice Pack: Always carry an instant freeze ice pack in your first aid kit. Athletes often experience bumps and bruises or head injuries. An ice pack will help reduce the swelling and decrease the pain the athlete may experience.

Not sure how to put together your own athlete's first aid kit? The First Aid Zone has put together a great general-purpose first aid kit for athletes. Great for on-site treatment of sports injuries, this kit has everything you need for your next sporting event. Click here to purchase.