Football first aid and care kit

What to include in a football club medical kit

A well-stocked pitch-side kit covers the minor issues that can arise during a match. It should include elastic adhesive bandages to support a joint, tape to secure a dressing, pre-tape to protect the skin under a strap, and instant cold packs: spray or disposable ice packs.

The medical bag organizes this content. The Macron Rescue first aid kit, the Errea Medical bag, and the Joma medical kit provide compartments to separate bandages, disinfectant, and scissors, while the pre-filled Mid bag from Tremblay is already equipped, making it a practical solution for a club starting its kit.

Footballer care by category

Every need has its own page. Bandages include adhesive strips, straps, and kinesiology tape; cold products consist of sprays and ice packs to use right after an impact; hot products include balms and warming creams to prepare the muscles; and medical bags are the first aid kits for transporting everything to the bench.

Cold, first reflex after a knock or sprain

After a hit or twist, cold reduces swelling and eases pain. It is part of the G in the GREC protocol, which stands for ice, rest, elevation, and compression, taught to coaches. The Tremblay Méditech+ cold spray, available in an arnica version, acts within seconds on the bench, and the disposable ice pack Select gets cold with just a press, no freezer needed.

Apply the cold in bursts of fifteen to twenty minutes, never directly on bare skin for ice, and don’t return to play if the pain persists. A sprain or a severe impact should always be checked by a healthcare professional.

Bandages, balms, and muscle recovery

Adhesive bandages are the essential tool for support. The Select Tensoplast bandages, available in five and seven and a half centimeters wide, stretch to follow movement, and the elastic bands Sporti, sold in rolls of twenty to forty meters, can strap an entire team. The Select ProFcare K roll is a finer kinesiology tape that can be worn for several days.

For muscles, the muscle balm Select comes in various intensities, to be massaged in before exercise to prepare the muscles or afterwards to relax them. It complements warm-up and stretching, but doesn’t replace them.

Restocking the first aid kit at the right times

Bandages and sprays run out during matches. Black Friday and the holiday season are good opportunities to build up stocks for the second half of the season; winter sales and equipment promotions refresh the kit, then the French Days in spring and summer sales prepare for the resumption of training. Clearance sales offer end-of-line products, prepared and dispatched in 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a qualification to treat a player on the sidelines?

No for simple actions like applying cold or putting on a bandage, but first aid training is highly recommended. For a serious injury, call for help and don’t move the player.

How long can you keep a cold spray in a bag?

A spray lasts until its expiry date, stored away from heat. Don’t leave the medical bag in direct sunlight in a car: an aerosol should not be exposed to high temperatures.

Can you play again after using an ice pack on an ankle?

The cold masks the pain without healing the injury. If the ankle is swollen, if the player is limping or cannot put weight on it, they should come off and see a doctor, even if they feel better after the cold.

What’s the difference between an elastic bandage and a rigid bandage?

The elastic bandage stretches and follows movement, it provides flexible support and compression. The rigid bandage, which doesn't stretch, immobilizes the joint in one position and is used for compression straps.

Does a muscle balm replace warming up?

No, it gives a local warming sensation but doesn’t prepare the heart or joints for exercise. A gradual warm-up of about fifteen minutes is still essential before each session.