If you enjoy sports or if you have a child who does, then a first aid kit is a must.

You can keep it in your car or kit bag so that it’s on hand to deal with any minor injuries that are all part of playing sports.

We’ve put together a sports first aid kit checklist with 10 essential items to include. These go-to pieces are designed for common sports injuries and will help you deal with minor bumps and bruises when you or your kid indulge in your favourite activities.

Remember that our checklist will work best if you are up to date with any first aid training. Why not book a beginner’s or refresher course while you stock up on your first aid kit?

1. Instant ice pack

An instant ice pack is the first thing that comes to mind to treat sporting injuries.

Ice packs come in large or small sizes, depending on which part of the body you want to use them on.

They’re ideal for treating strains, sprains, inflamed areas and insect bites.

An instant ice pack is convenient as no freezing or refrigeration is needed, and you’ll get around 20 minutes of cool relief.

2. Alcohol wipes

Alcohol wipes are ideal for sanitising skin when you don’t have soap and water on hand.

This makes them perfect for treating minor cuts and scrapes before applying a dressing.

They also double up as hand wipes so you can keep clean when you’re out and about.

3. Crepe bandages

All sports first aid kit contents should include crepe bandages. They’re stretchy cotton bandages that are useful for many different types of injuries.

Use them at the site of sprains and strains to reduce swelling or to cover a cut.

Crepe bandages will also support a sore joint without the need for surgical tape or safety pins. You can simply tie them in place.

4. Disposable gloves

Disposable gloves are an important part of your sports first aid kit. They are worn when treating an injury to prevent a wound from getting infected or bodily fluids being passed from either the patient or carer.

It’s a good idea to have several pairs of disposable gloves in your first aid kit so you can change them when they become dirty.

You should also use hand sanitiser before and after putting on gloves to keep your hands clean.

5. Antiseptic cream sachets

Antiseptic cream sachets are a convenient way to relieve pain and prevent infection on the go.

The convenient sizes will fit neatly in your first aid kit, and the one-use sachet is clean and hygienic.

Apply antiseptic cream after cleansing a wound and before applying a dressing.

6. Saline pods

These handy pods are useful for several different first aid tasks.

Use them for cleansing the eye or nose if there is something stuck in there or as eye or nose drops in case of irritation due to allergies.

You can also use them for cleaning wounds and burns.

The one-time-use pods are sterile and completely safe to use.

7. Eye pad

Eye pads come in sterile packs and are used if there is an injury to the eye.

You can apply one after cleansing the eye using a saline solution.

It fits neatly around the eye socket, protecting the eye from infection.

8. Triangular bandage

A triangular bandage is a versatile piece of kit with lots of different uses. You can use it as a sling in the case of sprains or fractures. It will also support injured hands, wrists, arms, elbows and shoulders, immobilising them to prevent further injury.

Triangular bandages are a staple of first aid kits and can be washed and reused if necessary.

9. Wound dressings

A selection of wound dressings is a must for sports first aid kits.

The best wound dressings will not only provide a cover to prevent infection but they can also be used to stem blood flow in an emergency.

Keep a variety of different sizes in your first aid kit so that you are prepared for every occasion.

10. Rescue blanket

A rescue blanket used on an injured person will help retain their body heat.

They are especially helpful in treating shock and hypothermia (where your body loses heat faster than it can create it, making your temperature lower than normal).

It will also protect the patient from the elements if you are outside and waiting for help to come.

Your essential training session companion

You can source any of the items mentioned in our checklist from our sports first aid kit refills page, where you’ll find everything you need to stock up.

Or you can browse our ready-made sports first aid kits, all specially designed to cater for common injuries.

You’ll find every type of kit, from the compact through to the full sports first aid kit, to deal with most minor injuries. Filled with quality items, they’re an essential part of every training session!