1. Common Injuries and Illnesses in Martial Arts

  • Sprains (ankle, wrist, knee)
  • Strains (muscles, tendons, ligaments)
  • Fractures (hands, feet, nose, ribs)
  • Concussions
  • Dislocations (shoulders, fingers, jaw)
  • Lacerations & Abrasions
  • Unconsciousness
  • Blunt Force Trauma (e.g., abdominal, thoracic)
  • Internal Bleeding
  • Nausea & Vomiting
  • Dehydration & Heat Illness
  • Eye Injuries
  • Dental Injuries

 

2. Detailed Injury Profiles

A. Sprains

  • Cause: Twisting under load (grappling, jumping, landing)
  • Signs: Swelling, bruising, pain, limited range of motion
  • First Aid: RICE protocol
  • Paramedic-Level: Pain relief (paracetamol, Entonox), splinting, refer for imaging if severe
  • Return: GP/physio clearance if moderate-severe; minor sprains – medic/first aider clearance

B. Strains

  • Cause: Overstretching during kicking, punching, high-energy drills
  • Signs: Muscle pain, weakness, tightness
  • First Aid: RICE, avoid use, gentle compression
  • Paramedic-Level: Pain management, rule out tear/rupture
  • Return: Mild – 48h rest; Moderate – GP or physio review

C. Fractures

  • Cause: Direct impact, falls, blocked kicks
  • Signs: Pain, swelling, deformity, crepitus
  • First Aid: Immobilise, cold pack, elevate
  • Paramedic-Level: Immobilisation, analgesia (morphine as per JRCALC), IV access if needed
  • Return: Hospital discharge summary + specialist sign-off

D. Concussion

  • Cause: Head strikes, falls
  • Signs: Headache, dizziness, confusion, visual disturbance, nausea
  • First Aid: Monitor, no return to play, rest, seek medical advice
  • Paramedic-Level: GCS, neuro obs, convey if GCS <15 or worsening
  • Return: GP/neurologist clearance only, with graduated return protocol

E. Dislocations

  • Cause: Arm bars, falls, awkward landings
  • Signs: Deformity, pain, swelling, immobility
  • First Aid: Immobilise, cold pack, do not relocate unless trained
  • Paramedic-Level: Analgesia, neurovascular checks, immobilisation
  • Return: After imaging and hospital follow-up

F. Lacerations/Abrasions

  • Cause: Falls, contact with gear, partner’s nails
  • Signs: Bleeding, visible break in skin
  • First Aid: Clean, dress, control bleeding
  • Paramedic-Level: Control bleeding, consider tetanus update, suture if large
  • Return: After wound closure and healing; medic or GP review if deep

G. Unconsciousness

  • Cause: Knockouts, hypoxia, cardiac issues
  • Signs: No response, altered GCS
  • First Aid: ABCs, recovery position if breathing, CPR if not
  • Paramedic-Level: Full trauma assessment, oxygen, ECG, convey
  • Return: Hospital review and clearance mandatory

H. Blunt Abdominal Trauma/Internal Bleeding

  • Cause: Knee strikes, falls, impact weapons
  • Signs: Abdo pain, guarding, bruising, hypotension
  • First Aid: Lay flat, monitor, do not allow food/drink
  • Paramedic-Level: FAST scan (if available), IV fluids, blue-light to ED
  • Return: Post-hospital review only

I. Nausea/Vomiting

  • Cause: Concussion, heat, anxiety
  • Signs: Pale, sweating, vomiting
  • First Aid: Cool, calm space, sips of water if alert
  • Paramedic-Level: IV access, antiemetics (ondansetron), hydration
  • Return: Symptom-free 24 hours minimum, medic clearance

J. Dehydration/Heat Illness

  • Cause: Intense training, poor hydration
  • Signs: Thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, confusion
  • First Aid: Cool environment, oral rehydration
  • Paramedic-Level: IV fluids, temp regulation
  • Return: Symptom resolution and medic review

K. Eye Injuries

  • Cause: Strikes, fingers, debris
  • Signs: Blurred vision, pain, redness
  • First Aid: Do not rub, cover, refer
  • Paramedic-Level: Eye shield, pain relief, urgent ED referral
  • Return: Ophthalmologist clearance if significant

L. Dental Injuries

  • Cause: Jaw strikes, falls
  • Signs: Tooth loss, bleeding, swelling
  • First Aid: Preserve tooth in milk/saline, apply cold compress
  • Paramedic-Level: Pain relief, airway protection, ED referral
  • Return: Dental clearance

 

3. Return-to-Play or Work Criteria

Condition Clearance Required From Time Off Recommended
Minor Sprain/Strain First Aider / Medic 48h – 1 week
Moderate Strain GP / Physio 1 – 2 weeks
Fracture Hospital + Specialist 4 – 8+ weeks
Concussion GP / Neuro Specialist 1 – 4 weeks (graded)
Unconscious Episode Hospital Until cause identified
Nausea/Vomiting Medic / GP 24h symptom-free
Heat Illness Medic / GP 24–72h depending severity
Eye Injury Ophthalmologist Case dependent
Dental Injury Dentist / GP Case dependent

 

4. Performer / Participant Information Handout

If You Are Injured:

  • Stop immediately.
  • Report to the set medic or first aider.
  • Do not resume activity until you are formally cleared.

You Must Report To:

  • Set medic
  • Safety officer or health lead

You Cannot Return Without Clearance:

  • Even if you feel fine – risk of worsening or hidden injury.

What Clearance Means:

  • For minor injuries: Verbal or written sign-off from set medic
  • For head injuries, fractures, or serious trauma: Hospital discharge or GP letter
  • Clearance documentation will be held by production or safety coordinator

 

5. First Aider / Medic Quick Reference Poster

Immediate Response Steps:

  1. STOP the activity.
  2. ASSESS the scene (safety, cause).
  3. ABCs – Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
  4. Treat with appropriate first aid.
  5. Record observations and treatment.
  6. Escalate if RED FLAGS appear.

Red Flags for Escalation:

  • Loss of consciousness
  • GCS < 15
  • Fracture or suspected internal injury
  • Vomiting after head trauma
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath
  • Spinal symptoms or neurological signs

Return-to-Participation Checklist:

  • Symptom-free?
  • Mobility and function returned?
  • Cleared by appropriate professional?
  • No red flags remain?

 

6. Summary Table

Injury / Condition First Aid Paramedic Treatment Clearance Authority
Sprain/Strain RICE Pain relief, immobilise Medic / GP
Fracture Immobilise Morphine, splint, transport Hospital Consultant
Concussion Monitor, rest Oxygen, neuro obs GP / Neuro
Heat Illness Cool, rehydrate IV fluids, monitor Medic / GP
Unconscious Recovery position Full assessment, ECG Hospital
Vomiting Cool, fluids Antiemetic, IV fluids Medic / GP
Eye Injury Shield, do not rub Cover, pain relief Ophthalmologist
Dental Injury Preserve tooth Airway mgmt, analgesia Dentist