Certification of first aid trainers

In accordance with Austrian law — §26 ArbeitnehmerInnenschutzgesetz (ASchG) and §40 Arbeitsstättenverordnung (AStV) — we ensure the health and safety of our club members during training sessions.

The club’s coaches have completed a mandatory 16-hour first aid course organised by Samariterbund Wien. This course fulfils the requirements of Austrian legislation and provides the necessary level of training to work with children in a sporting environment.

On the course, coaches learnt how to:

• quickly and accurately assess the casualty’s condition;
• perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use automatic defibrillators;
• stop bleeding;
• immobilise arms and legs for suspected fractures or dislocations;
• treat fainting, convulsions and epileptic seizures;
• deal with heat stroke and hypothermia;
• help with allergic reactions;
• transport the injured person;
• co-operate with the emergency services.

The skills learnt by trainers can be critical in a variety of situations.

The greatest hazards are:

• injuries when players fall or collide;
• sprains and muscle injuries;
• fractures and sprains;
• heat strokes and overheating during hot weather training;
• dehydration;
• cuts and abrasions;
• allergic reactions, including insect bites;
• asthma attacks or other chronic illnesses;
• concussions.

It is important to note, having these skills in trainers is not a substitute for professional medical care. In serious cases, we always call an ambulance. However, the ability of coaches to react quickly and act appropriately in the first minutes after an incident can make all the difference to the health and safety of children.