Medical Guidance

Introduction

There is an inherent risk of injury or a medical event taking place during cricket activities, either to the players, coaches and umpires involved, or to spectators on the boundary edge or in the stands. As such, the ECB recommends that clubs have First Aid provision at all cricket activities they run. The risk of an injury or medical event occurring varies dependant on several factors, therefore the ECB recommends that clubs make informed decisions prior to each activity as to the level of First Aid provision that is required. The Guidelines below further outline the ECB’s recommendations with regards to First Aid.

First Aiders

The ECB recommends that: (a) each Club appoints at least one First Aider; and (b) each Club ensures that at least one First Aider is present when any cricket activity is taking place at the Club (whether training or matches, and whether using a hard ball or a soft ball). A Qualified Health Practitioner can act as a Club’s First Aider even if their First Aid qualification is not equivalent to that described in the definition of “First Aider”. It is recommended that any individual who will take up the role of First Aider at a Club or particular event, including a Qualified Health Professional, agrees in advance to take on the role of First Aider and is aware that they are assuming that role. It is recommended that Clubs consider who their First Aiders are relative to the needs of the participants involved. For example, a participant may wish to only be treated by a First Aider of the same gender. The ECB recommends that Clubs endeavour to provide same gender First Aiders wherever possible. It may also be beneficial to have an individual prepared to act as a chaperone to treatment if requested.