Sports practices, school events, and gym workouts can lead to sudden injuries and medical emergencies. Whether it’s a sprained ankle, dehydration, a hard fall, or even a cardiac event on the field, coaches and trainers are often the first people on scene. Knowing what to do in those first critical minutes can prevent further harm, reduce recovery time, and even save a life.

This guide—part of the BVAC community safety and first-aid education series—provides clear, practical steps to respond to the most common sports and gym-related emergencies.

Why Immediate Action Matters

Most emergencies happen long before EMS can arrive. Coaches, athletic trainers, gym staff, and even bystanders play a major role in protecting athletes of all ages.

Early recognition + simple first steps = safer outcomes.

Common Sports & Gym Injuries & What To Do

1. Sprains, Strains & Joint Injuries

These are among the most common school and gym injuries.

Signs: Pain, swelling, bruising, limited movement
First Aid:
✔ Stop activity immediately
✔ Apply ice 15–20 minutes
✔ Compress and elevate the injured area
✔ Avoid putting weight on the injury
✔ Refer to urgent care if swelling or pain worsens

2. Head Injuries & Concussions

A blow to the head can quickly become serious.

Warning Signs:
• Dizziness or headache
• Confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble speaking or focusing

First Aid:
✔ Remove from play—do not allow return until medically cleared
✔ Monitor for worsening symptoms
✔ Call 911 if the person becomes confused, unusually sleepy, or loses consciousness

3. Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

Hot training days and intense workouts can lead to life-threatening heat illness.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: Sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea
Heat Stroke Symptoms: Hot skin, confusion, collapse—life-threatening

First Aid:
✔ Move to shade or a cool environment
✔ Give water if the person is awake
✔ Cool with ice packs or fans
Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected

4. Breathing Problems & Asthma Attacks

Exercise-induced asthma is common for student athletes.

First Aid:
✔ Stop activity and allow the athlete to rest
✔ Use prescribed inhaler
✔ Encourage slow, controlled breathing
✔ Call 911 if breathing doesn’t improve or worsens

5. Cardiac Events in Sports

Yes—even young athletes can experience sudden cardiac arrest.

Warning Signs:
• Sudden collapse
• No normal breathing
• Unresponsiveness

First Aid:
✔ Call 911
✔ Start CPR immediately
✔ Use an AED as soon as possible

Tip: Every gym and sports program should have an AED on-site and staff trained to use it.

When to Call 911

Call EMS right away if the athlete has:

• Trouble breathing or severe chest pain
• Confusion, seizure, or loss of consciousness
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• A suspected broken bone or spinal injury
• Heat stroke symptoms
• Any condition you believe may be life-threatening

When in doubt—call.

Training Makes the Difference

Hands-on training helps coaches, school staff, gym employees, and parents respond confidently when seconds matter.

Recommended Courses at BVAC:
• AHA CPR & AED Certification
• First Aid for Coaches & Responders
• BVAC First Response Essentials
• Stop the Bleed
• Tactical Medicine / TECC

These programs build the skills needed to recognize emergencies, take action early, and protect athletes of all ages.