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Contents for chiropractors' athletic event emergency bags
Background:
Chiropractors are providing health care at a growing number of athletic events. With this increased participation it is critical that chiropractors be adequately prepared for these events with the proper knowledge, skill, and equipment to provide emergency care.
Objective:
The objective was to recommend an inventory of items that should be included in a chiropractor's event-site emergency bag, based on the best available evidence.
Data Sources:
A pilot search was conducted by searching MEDLINE to retrieve articles regarding emergency supplies used at athletic events. Key terms were then taken from the pilot search and used to conduct a systematic search and review of the literature.
Study Selection:
Articles were included if they were published in English and discussed athletic event-site emergency first aid and supplies. Articles published in non-peer-reviewed publications were excluded.
Data Extraction:
Items recommended for event-site emergency care bags were extracted from 19 studies and reviewed by an expert panel of sports chiropractors. Expert rankings from a Likert scale were then averaged for each item.
Data Synthesis:
Items are categorized as recommended, possibly recommended, or not recommended based on expert rankings and frequency counts of citations.
Results:
The most recommended items were latex gloves, penlights, and oral airways. An inventory of 169 items with citations and ratings is included in this review.
Conclusion:
This is the first evidence-based article to delineate appropriate first aid and emergency equipment for sports chiropractors. This article has utility for educators who teach emergency care for athletic events and for practitioners who would like to have a clear inventory for their emergency bags.