Head and Neck Injuries in Sport: A Growing Concern and a Call for Better Training
Head and neck injuries are among the most serious and common injuries sustained in sport, often requiring immediate and skilled intervention. In Australia, these injuries accounted for nearly 11,100 hospitalisations in 2023–24, representing 41 hospitalisations per 100,000 population1. Among young athletes aged 15–24, the rate was even higher, with 101 hospitalisations per 100,000 population1
The Reality for First Responders
Despite the prevalence of these injuries, many first responders including sports trainers, physiotherapists, and volunteers report feeling underprepared and uncertain when faced with managing athletes who may have sustained a head or neck injury.
Concerns often centre around:
Recognising the signs of spinal trauma
Safely immobilising the athlete
Using equipment like scoop stretchers correctly
Knowing when and how to escalate care
These gaps in confidence and capability can delay critical interventions and increase the risk of long-term harm to the athlete.
Practical, Sports Focused Training That Makes a Difference
Safe Sports Australia is addressing this issue through its Emergency Care in Sports Course, which includes the nationally recognised unit PUAEME007 – Provide Emergency Care for Suspected Spinal Injury.
This course offers:
Hands-on training in the recognition and management of head and neck injuries
Modern immobilisation techniques, including the use of scoop stretchers and spinal board.
Instruction from healthcare professionals with real-world emergency care experience in sports settings
Participants leave the course with the confidence and competence to respond effectively to spinal emergencies in any sporting environment.
A Safer Future for Athletes
By equipping sports professionals and first responders with the right skills, Safe Sports Australia is helping to create a safer sporting landscape for athletes of all ages and levels. The Emergency Care in Sports Course is an important step forward in ensuring that head and neck injuries are managed with the urgency and expertise they demand.
