👋🏼 I'm Jen.
You probably know me as Miss Jen, Co-Founder and Fan Experience Director of McKeesport Baseball Tournaments. Long before I became Miss Jen, I became a paramedic. Here's my advice about how to prepare your first aid kit for the upcoming tournament season.
Even more important than what’s inside your kit is knowing how to prioritize in an emergency.
That’s where the ABC Rule comes in.
When faced with an injury, paramedics always follow the ABC method:
1️⃣ A – Airway: Can the injured person breathe? If they’re choking, struggling to breathe, or unconscious, their airway may be blocked. - ⚠️ This is an emergency! Call 911 before doing anything else.
2️⃣ B – Breathing: Are they breathing normally? Look for signs of distress, gasping, or shallow breathing. If they’re not breathing, start CPR immediately. ⚠️ This is an emergency! Call 911 before doing anything else.
3️⃣ C – Circulation: Is there severe bleeding? Stopping major bleeding is a top priority—apply direct pressure or use a tourniquet if needed. ⚠️ This is an emergency! Call 911 before anything else.
👉 Pro tip: If you are directing care and need an ambulance, make eye contact and point directly at one person, specifically say to them, "I need you to call 911 right now," in a calm and firm tone. Many times, when a group hears a direction but isn't specifically directed to accomplish the task, there can be a delay in communication because everyone thinks someone else is doing the task.
Why? Asthma, allergic reactions, or a hit to the throat can make it hard to breathe.
Why? Cuts, scrapes, and nosebleeds are the most common sports injuries, but deep wounds can become life-threatening.
Why? Sprains, bruises, and fractures happen often—be ready to support and reduce pain.
Why? Having the right info on hand can save critical time in an emergency.
✅ Organize for Speed – Sort your kit by category (wound care, airway, medications) so you can find what you need fast.
✅ Know How to Use It – A stocked first aid kit is useless if you don’t know how to use it! Watch tutorials or take a basic first aid class.
✅ Keep It Accessible – Store your kit in an easy-to-reach spot in your car, sports bag, or sideline bench.
As a youth sports fan, you can’t prevent every injury—but you can be prepared. Knowing the ABCs of emergencies and packing your first aid kit with purpose will help you stay calm, take action, and handle game day injuries like a pro.
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🚩 Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or emergency. If you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical assistance. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this article.