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Pitch Side First Aid & Immediate Care

Community first aider

Every rugby club and rugby event organiser is responsible for participant health and safety. As outlined in Regulation 9, an annual first-aid–focused risk assessment must be completed to ensure qualified personnel and suitable equipment are in place. Clubs, CBs and those involved in arranging any rugby activity must adhere to Pitch Side Care Standards (PSCS) unless their risk assessment suggests otherwise. 

 

Club & Rugby Event Organiser Responsibilities: 
 

  • Maintain current training and qualifications for all first aiders, including DBS checks for those working frequently and/or unsupervised in age grade rugby. 

 

  • Ensure PSCS are met, including cover for if a first aider needs to leave the pitch side to deal with an injury. 

 

  • Encourage first aiders to undertake regular refresher CPD to keep their FA skills up to date and provide opportunities for them to share experiences and discuss concerns. 

 

  • Ensure first aiders and all relevant volunteers and individuals complete the HEADCASE concussion awareness module on an annual basis. 

 

  • Clubs and other rugby activity providers with employees must comply with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 regarding training and qualifications. 

 

This page provides information on first aid and immediate care provision, detailing the training required, roles and responsibilities, and best practice guidance for clubs and other rugby activity organisers. The information is set out into the following sections: 

 

  1. First Aid Risk Assessment 

  2. RFU Reportable Events & Injury Recording 

  3. Medical Emergency Action Plan (MEAP) 

  4. First Aid / Immediate Care Equipment  

  5. Pitch Side Care Standards (PSCS) 

  6. First Aid (FA) in rugby — training, information, and responsibilities 

  7. Immediate Care Practitioner (ICP) — training, information, and responsibilities 
     

The RFU are not responsible for the accreditation or organisation of first aid courses. 

Training providers must ensure that they hold a current and relevant accreditation with an awarding body for the first aid courses they offer. 

Whilst the details of accreditation are provided on the the training provider list (see section 6). It is recommended that clubs check to ensure that the training providers hold a current and relevant accreditation to deliver appropriate first aid courses.  

Any issues arising related to the delivery of a first aid course e.g. course payment, course cancellation etc. is a matter to be resolved between the organisation booking the course (club or other rugby activity organiser) and their selected training provider.

    1. First Aid Risk Assessment

    • Clubs must complete an annual first aid risk assessment. This must be undertaken each season between beginning of July and end of September. 

     

    • Clubs must ensure the RugbySafe & Player Welfare section of their Game Management System (GMS) profile is kept up to date, especially the first aid risk assessment completion date. 

     

    • The Howden Risk Assessment Tool (RAT) provides a simple template, designed to support clubs to complete their first aid risk assessment.  
       

    • The RAT is now integrated into the GMS. To access, please go to the GMS login page and login using your individual GMS details.  

    • The following video provides a step-by-step guide on how to access the risk assessment tool via GMS: Access the video here.

    • Please note: Individuals need GMS Level 3 or above to access the risk assessment tool via their club’s organisational profile.   

     

    • The first aid risk assessment should consider activity type, participant numbers, facilities, pitch locations etc. 

     

    • Clubs and rugby activity providers should undertake additional risk assessments for certain circumstances, including: 

    • Multi-site training or matches. 

    • Tournaments/festivals with simultaneous games, high levels of activity and large participant numbers. 

    • Age-grade camps with varying numbers of players across multiple age groups. 

     

    • The Proactive App has several specifically designed features, including dynamic risk assessment.  

    2. RFU Reportable Events & Injury Recording

    RFU Reportable Event 

      

    • To allow the appropriate support to be put in place, it is crucial that all reportable injury events are submitted to the RFU. These are defined as: 

     

    • An injury which results in the player being admitted to a hospital. 

    • Deaths which occur during or within six hours of a game finishing. 

     

    • It DOES NOT include those that attend an Accident or Emergency Department and who are then allowed home.  

     

    • A reportable event can be submitted via the webform link below or, if your club has access, via the Proactive App. 

    Access the form here: RFU-Reportable-Injury-Event-Form 

      

    • When a RFU reportable event occurs, the following procedures and reporting protocols should be followed: 
       

    1. Provide immediate first aid and arrange ambulance transfer as needed. 

    2. Complete the online Reportable Injury Event Form or use the Proactive App (if available). 

    3. Contact the RFU Injury Reporting Helpline (0800 298 0102) once the seriousness of the player’s condition is confirmed, and certainly within 48 hours of the injury event. 

    4. Notify your insurance provider. 

    5. Collect factual witness statements (signed, dated) and store them securely. Where a potential insurance or personal injury claim may arise, clubs and schools are advised to retain witness statements on file. These statements must confine themselves to the facts and not include opinion, hearsay or apportion or infer blame. They must be signed and dated by the person making the statement. 

     

    • In the event of a potentially catastrophic injury or fatality, once notified, the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) will get in touch with the club and/or player or next of kin to confirm the injury and identify any immediate welfare needs. 

     

    Injury Recording 

     

    • Clubs and rugby activity providers should have a process for recording incidents and injuries that require first aid attention.  

     

    • Every first aider should be made aware of the process/ have access to ensure all applicable incidents /injuries are recorded appropriately.  

     

    • The recording process must be GDPR compliant, with all records stored appropriately and securely. 

     

    • The RFU have collaborated with Howden and Proactive to offer the Proactive App, providing an affordable incident reporting app that provides a quick and efficient system to ensure injuries and incidents, both on and off the pitch, are recorded and maintained in a secure and appropriate manner.  

    3. Medical Emergency Action Plan (MEAP)

    • Clubs and rugby activity providers should have a Medical Emergency Action Plan (MEAP) in place to identify needs and protocols in an emergency situation. 

     

    • A MEAP should consider all those involved and provide a simple, safe and systematic approach to ensure that any emergencies can be dealt with quickly and efficiently. This includes ensuring ambulance access is available, and access points are always kept free of parked vehicles or other obstructions. 

     

    • Clubs and rugby activity providers should ensure the MEAP is effectively communicated with all first aiders, coaches and other individuals who would be involved in the incident management during an emergency. 

     

     

    • The Proactive App includes several specifically designed features, including Medical Emergency Action Plan templates. 

     

    4. First Aid & Immediate Care Equipment

    • Clubs and rugby activity providers should: 

    • Equip each First Aider with a personal first aid kit, plus hold a central, fully stocked kit at the venue. 

    • Designate and clearly mark a match-day medical point (room, tent, gazebo). 

    • Where possible and practicable, have a designated first aid room that is easily accessible.  

    • Ensure there are appropriately trained individuals if using any additional equipment e.g., stretchers.  

     

    First Aid Equipment / Provision Suppliers 

     

    • Automated External Defibrillator (AED): It is highly recommended that all clubs and other rugby activity providers ensure there is an AED on site and easily accessible. This should be stored correctly and regularly maintained. London Hearts can assist clubs with acquiring an AED, including potentially finding funding that may be available for clubs. 

     

    • First Aid Equipment: FirstAid4Sport provide first aid kits, refills and other first aid equipment. They have a dedicated RFU landing page containing all your club will need to ensure they can provide first aid support, both at training and pitch side on 
      match day. 

     

    • The  Proactive App has several specifically designed features to help clubs with their injury and incident reporting and other elements of their player welfare responsibilities, including: 

    • Incident reporting 

    • Dynamic risk assessment 

    • Pre-session checks 

    • Medical Emergency Action Plan Templates 

    • Concussion Tracker 

    • Integrated RFU Reportable Event form 

      5. Pitch Side Care Standards

      • The Pitch Side Care Standards (PSCS) cover all age-grade rugby and adult community rugby. They exclude the Prem, Champ, PWR and BUCS Super Rugby teams, all of whom have competition-specific provision standards for immediate care and minimum medical provision standards. 

       

      • The PSCS are specific to the requirements for on-field / pitch side rugby activity (training sessions and matches) only. Off-field first aid provision should be determined as part of a general risk assessment and will be specific to each club’s requirements. 

       

      • The standards are the minimum first aid and/or immediate care pitch side provision required as part of Regulation 9 (Player Safety). They set out first aid and immediate care provision for the recognition, assessment and immediate management of potential life and limb threatening injuries during organised training and matches only.  

       

      • All other medical support, or provisions such as therapist led prehabilitation and rehabilitation, strapping, soft tissue massage and the treatment of potential non-life and limb threatening and musculoskeletal injuries, is outside the scope of this document. Any organisation and/or practitioner providing additional provision should be appropriately qualified and insured. 

       

      • The annual first aid risk assessment must be completed for all rugby activities. 

       

      • The PSCS set out the minimum recommended FA/IC provision. CBs, clubs and all other activity organisers should consider how best to deliver the other elements of medical care and player welfare for participants. 

       

      • The PSCS are HIGHLY recommended for all other providers of rugby activity (schools, colleges, universities, armed forces, commercial providers) who may have their own regulations, which they must comply with if the level of provision is higher than that specified in this guide. 

      Age Grade Rugby

      For festivals and other multi-match events, please refer to the Tournaments & Festivals section. 

      Schools and colleges may be subject to different provision requirements as set out by their own governing body regulations, which they must comply with if the level of provision is higher than that specified in this guide. 

       

      When the provision is one first aider (FA) per match, the home club/team is responsible for organising/providing first aid cover. Both clubs/teams should discuss a pitch side first aid plan as part of their pre-match communications.  

       

      If the minimum standards are not in place, the club/those involved in arranging rugby activity must complete a live first aid risk assessment* to be satisfied that it is safe/appropriate for the rugby activity to go ahead. 

       

      * A ‘live risk assessment’ is the practice of observing, assessing, identifying and (where possible) removing/ reducing risk in the current environment (e.g. playing area, number of people, facilities, provision etc.). 

       

      For training sessions, 1 FA per age group is based on a ratio of 1 first aider to approx. 40 players.  
        

      • For smaller groups, it may be appropriate for one First Aider to cover more than one age group, e.g. one First Aider covering the U9 and U10 training session where there is a total of 40 or fewer children across both age groups. 

      • Where a first aider is covering more than one age group, additional considerations may be required as part of the first aid risk assessment e.g. proximity of age group squad training/matches. 

      • For larger groups an additional First Aider(s) may be required and should be considered as part of the first aid risk assessment. 

       

      One First Aider per team will provide a safer experience for the players, and reduces the risk of stoppages in play and disruptions that may occur where there is only one first aider per match. 

       

       

      MINIMUM STANDARD 

      BEST PRACTICE 

      AGE GROUP 

      TRAINING 

      MATCHES 

      MATCHES 

      U7 & U8 

      1 x First Aider per approx. 40 players across the U7 and U8 age groups. 

      1 x First Aider per age group. 

      U9 & U12 

      1 x First Aider per approx. 40 players.

      1 x First Aider per age group. 

      1 x First Aider per match. 

      U13 – U18 

      1 x First Aider per approx. 40 players.

      1 x First Aider per match. 

      1 x First Aider per team. 

       

      Adult Rugby

      For tournaments and other multi-match events, please refer to the Tournaments & Festivals section. 

      The Armed Forces and Universities may be subject to different provision requirements as set out by their own governing body regulations, which they must comply with if the level of provision is higher than that specified in this guide.  

       

      When the provision is one first aider (FA) per match, the home club/team is responsible for organising/providing the first aid cover. Both clubs/teams should discuss a pitch side first aid plan as part of their pre-match communications.  

       

      If the minimum standards are not in place, the club/those involved in arranging rugby activity must complete a live first aid risk assessment* to be satisfied that it is safe/appropriate for the rugby activity to go ahead. 

       

      * A ‘live risk assessment’ is the practice of observing, assessing, identifying and (where possible) removing/ reducing risk in the current environment (e.g. playing area, number of people, facilities, provision etc.). 

       

      For training sessions, 1 FA per training squad is based on a ratio of 1 first aider to approx. 40 players.  
        

      • For smaller groups it may be appropriate for one First Aider to cover more than training group e.g. one First Aider covering two adult teams at a training session where there is a total of 40 or fewer players training. This should be considered as part of the first aid risk assessment. 

      • Where a first aider is covering more than one training squad, additional considerations may be required as part of the first aid risk assessment e.g. proximity of training areas. 

      • For larger groups an additional First Aider(s) may be required and should be considered as part of the first aid risk assessment. 

       

      One First Aider per team will provide a safer experience for the players and reduces the risk of stoppages in play and disruptions that may occur where there is only one first aider per match. 

       

       

       

      MINIMUM STANDARD 

      BEST PRACTICE 

      ADULT MALE 

      TRAINING 

      MATCHES 

      MATCHES 

      National Leagues* 

      1 x First Aider per team 

      1 x Level 2 Immediate Care Practitioner per team 

       

      Regional, County, Lower XVs and Non-BSR Super League Universities 

      1 x First Aider per team/training squad 

      1 x First Aider per match 

      1 x First Aider per team 

       

      *  National League Rugby has additional PSCS and medical governance standards in place. 

        

       

      MINIMUM STANDARD 

      BEST PRACTICE 

      ADULT FEMALE 

      TRAINING 

      MATCHES 

      MATCHES 

      National Championships & Challenge Leagues, Lower XVs and Non- BSR Super League Universities 

      1 x First Aider per team/training squad 

      1x First Aider per match 

      1 x First Aider per team 
      Player Pathway and Representative Rugby

      For training sessions, 1 first aider (FA) per training squad is based on a ratio of 1 first aider to approx. 40 players.    
       

      • For smaller groups it may be appropriate for one First Aider to cover more than training group e.g. one First Aider covering two training squads at the same location, where there is a total of 40 or fewer players training. This should be considered as part of the first aid risk assessment. 

      • Where a first aider is covering more than one training squad, additional considerations may be required as part of the first aid risk assessment e.g. proximity of training areas. 

      • For larger groups an additional First Aider(s) may be required and should be considered as part of the first aid risk assessment. 

       

      For festivals and multi-match events, the CB and/or organiser should consider the levels of potential additional medical cover that may be required depending on the size of the event. If there are multiple games happening throughout the day (even if not simultaneously) it is highly recommended there is a venue Immediate Care Practitioner on site (see ICP roles & responsibilities). 
       

      One FA per team and at least one venue ICP will provide a safer experience and reduce the risk of stoppages in play. The hosting CB/event organiser is responsible for both first aid provision and ensuring there is allocated cover for each match. 

       

      If the minimum standards are not in place, the CB and/or event organiser must complete a live first aid risk assessment* to be satisfied that it is safe/appropriate for the rugby activity to go ahead. 

      * A ‘live risk assessment’ is the practice of observing, assessing, identifying and (where possible) removing/

      reducing risk in the current environment (e.g. playing area, number of people, facilities, provision etc.). 

       

       

       

      MINIMUM STANDARD 

      BEST PRACTICE 

      REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY 

      TRAINING 

      MATCHES 

      MATCHES 

      Age Grade CB Rugby and PDG  

      1 x First Aider per team/training squad 

      1 x First Aider per team 

      1 x Level 2 Immediate Care Practitioner per match 

      Adult CB Representative Rugby 

      1 x First Aider per team/ training squad 

      1 x First Aider per team 

      1 x Level 2 Immediate Care Practitioner per team 
      Tournaments & Festivals

      Where there are multiple teams playing at the same time, a first aid risk assessment is required to determine the level and type of first aid / immediate care provision.  
       

      The event organiser is responsible for determining the level of potential additional medical cover that may be required, depending on the size of the event. If there are multiple games happening throughout the day (even if not simultaneously) it is highly recommended there is a venue Immediate Care Practitioner on site (see ICP roles & responsibilities). 
       

      A designated central first aid tent/area should be considered as part of the event's first aid risk assessment. 
       

      The organiser is responsible for ensuring that it is clearly communicated prior to the event if clubs/teams are required to bring their own FA/ICP and, if not, what FA/ICP provision will be available. 
       

      One first aider per team and at least one venue ICP will provide a safer experience and reduce the risk of stoppages in play. The event organiser is responsible for both first aid provision and ensuring there is allocated cover for each match. 
       

      If the minimum guidelines are not in place, the event organiser must complete a live first aid risk assessment* and be satisfied that it is safe for the rugby activity to go ahead. 

      * A ‘live risk assessment’ is the practice of observing, assessing, identifying and (where possible) removing/ reducing risk in the current environment (e.g. playing area, number of people, facilities, provision etc.). 

      Please note that these standards do not account for any medical provision for crowds and spectators at an event or festival; this medical provision should be considered separately to the FA cover provision above. 

       

       

       

      MINIMUM STANDARD 

      BEST PRACTICE 

      FORMAT 

      MATCHES 

      MATCHES 

      Tag, Touch & T1 Rugby 

      1 x First Aider per 2 matches / 1 full pitch 

      1 x First Aider per team 

      Contact Rugby 

      1 x First Aider per match 

      1 x First Aider per team 
      6. First Aid - Training, Information and Responsibilities

      This section provides information on what first aid in rugby is, what training first aiders should undertake, what responsibilities they have, and what best practice looks like for the role.  

        

      The information is set out as: 

      1. First aid training information for clubs / course provider information. 

      2. First Aid in Rugby Union (FARU) CPD series & HEADCASE module. 

      3. First aid roles & responsibilities. 

         

      The RFU are not responsible for the accreditation or organisation of first aid courses. 

      Training providers must ensure that they hold a current and relevant accreditation with an awarding body for the first aid courses they offer. 

      Whilst the details of accreditation are provided on the the training provider list. It is recommended that clubs check to ensure that the training providers hold a current and relevant accreditation to deliver appropriate first aid courses.  

      Any issues arising related to the delivery of a first aid course e.g. course payment, course cancellation etc. is a matter to be resolved between the organisation booking the course (club or other rugby activity organiser) and their selected training provider. 
       

      First Aid Training Information  

       

      The following FAQ checklist can be used to help clubs plan and arrange First Aid (FA) training. A reputable FA training provider should have information and processes in place to be able to answer these questions with ease and provide evidence where required. 

       

      What is the qualification a participant will receive? 

      The minimum qualification delivered by a provider should be a Level 3 or equivalent First Aid qualification, e.g. Emergency First Aid at Work. The assessment criteria should be competency-based. 

       

      Who is the recognised awarding body for the qualification? 

      The training provider should be accredited with a recognised awarding body (e.g. Qualsafe) and the qualification awarded should be recognised on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and/or self-certified by the awarding body.  In either case, this should be acknowledged with a certificate from the recognised awarding body. 

      As the independent qualifications' regulator for England, Ofqual provides more guidance on appropriate training providers and a register of recognised first aid qualifications. Their website can be accessed here: Ofqual 
       

      How do we know the training provider is legitimate?  

      Training providers should be able to supply information on their own experience and qualifications (e.g. clinical/FA background, years of tutoring experience, knowledge of rugby). 

       

      The training provider should be accredited with a recognised awarding body (e.g. Qualsafe), and they should have a quality assurance process in place. 

       

      What insurance does the trainer have?  

      Training providers should have their own personal liability insurance. It is important that clubs check that this is in place. 

       

      How many people can attend a course?  

      This comes down to the discretion of the training provider; however a suggested maximum is 16 learners per tutor. 

       

      How much will it cost? 

      The cost of a first aid course varies, but generally ranges from £50 to £100 per person. This will depend on the training provider. Some providers may offer discounts for group bookings, while others have fixed prices.  

       

      How long is the qualification valid for? 

      Level 3 first aid qualifications are valid for three years. Appointed first aiders should attend a course every three years. 

      It is recommended that annual refresher training is undertaken between re-qualification. The  England Rugby FARU CPD Series includes free online modules which can be used for this annual refresher training.  
       

      How are qualifications recorded / monitored? 

      It is recommended that clubs ask all appointed first aiders to self-certify their FA qualification(s) on their RFU GMS profile, using the self-service tool in the qualifications section. This will allow clubs to monitor the number of qualified first aiders, qualification renewal dates etc. 

       

      How long should a course last? 

      A Level 3 qualification will be a minimum of 6 learning hours, e.g. a one-day in-person course, and can be a blended learning course with face-to-face and online components. It is recommended that a minimum of 4 hours are delivered face-to-face. 
       

      What should the course content include? 

      As a minimum, the course should cover basic first aid and life support skills including:  

      • Primary Survey

      • CPR & AED

      • Wounds and external bleeding

      • Seizures

      • Minor injuries

      • Shock

       

       

      It is highly recommended that the course also covers injuries that may occur in rugby, including rare but serious injuries, specifically:  

      • Concussion and head injuries 

      • Suspected fractures 

      • Suspected spinal injuries 

       

      In order to support training providers with delivering a rugby themed course, including the additional recommended content above, England Rugby have produced a training provider rugby first aid resource pack. To access these resources, training providers should complete the following online form: First Aid in Rugby: Training Provider Sign Up Form .

       

       

      1. What other training and resources are available for appointed FAs?  

      It is highly recommended that all appointed first aiders complete the HEADCASE eLearning module on an annual basis, along with annual FA refresher training between re-qualifications. The England Rugby FARU CPD Series includes free online modules which can be used for this annual refresher training.  

       

      Visit the Player Welfare Courses page to access both the FARU CPD series and HEADCASE modules.  

       

      1. What facilities does a club/venue need to have for a course to take place?  

      It is highly recommended that exclusive use of a room with enough tables and chairs for all learners is available, plus designated floor space for practical activities.  There should also be access to a projector and/or screen. 

       

       

      Training Provider Information 

      The following is a list of training providers who offer relevant FA training courses and have expressed an interest in delivery with rugby. Whilst the training provider has provided their details, it is the responsibility of the club to ensure both the training course and training provider credentials are appropriate, based on the guidance above.  

       

      The RFU is not responsible for the delivery of courses or any issues arising e.g. payment, course cancellation policy etc. It is important that clubs (or any rugby activity organiser) undertake their own due diligence and fully understand any terms and conditions before confirming any agreement with any training provider.  

       

      Trainer Provider List Coming Soon 

       

      Training providers interested in being added to the list should complete the following online form: First Aid in Rugby: Training Provider Sign Up Form   

       

       

       

      First Aid in Rugby Union (FARU) CPD series & HEADCASE module 


       

      • The First Aid in Rugby Union (FARU) CPD series has been produced to offer a free online option for first aider’s annual refresher training between their FA re-qualification (every three years). The access to training and learning resources can help to ensure that appointed first aiders remain confident and competent to carry out key first aid skills. 

       

      • It is highly recommended that all appointed first aiders complete the HEADCASE eLearning module on an annual basis.  

       

      Visit the Player Welfare Courses page to access both the FARU CPD series and HEADCASE modules.  

       

       

      First Aider Roles & Responsibilities  

       

      • An appointed First Aider (FA) is an individual who has a minimum Level 3 First Aid Qualification. Ideally the appointed FA should be a dedicated role, i.e., the individual is acting solely as the first aider and does not have other roles such as coach. 

       

      • The role and responsibilities of an appointed FA at training and matches will depend on the circumstances. Clubs and other rugby activity providers should ensure that all appointed FAs for each training session and match are briefed appropriately and have a clear understanding of their role and responsibilities. Responsibilities should include: 

      • Being pitch side and ready to assess and manage any incidents/ injuries immediately. 

      • Taking charge when someone is injured or ill, including calling an ambulance if required. 

      • Providing first aid to injured or ill persons until more expert help arrives. 

      • Looking after an allocated pitch side first aid kit and ensuring it is appropriately stocked. 

      • Being familiar with the club/venue Medical Emergency Action Plan. 

      • Ensuring they complete all injury/incident report forms appropriately. 

       

      • First aiders should not attempt to give first aid for which they have not been trained. This includes Healthcare Professionals and Allied Healthcare Professionals who may only provide first aid cover (along with additional support and/or treatment) based on their qualifications and experience and training. 

       

      • An FA’s responsibility should end when either: 

      • The FA and player agree that the player is in a fit state to re-join the training session or match. 

      • An Age Grade player is handed over to their parent(s), who are appropriately informed of injury/incident and whether seeking further treatment is recommended. 

      • An adult player is deemed safe to leave the club/venue, having discussed the injury/incident with the FA and seeking further treatment if this is recommended. 

      • The player is handed over to the ambulance paramedic crew. 

      7. Immediate Care Practitioner - Training, Information and Responsibilities

      Different Health Care Professional (HCP) and Allied Health Care Professional (AHCP) roles can provide first aid and/or immediate care practitioner cover. However, it shouldn’t be assumed that being an HCP/ AHCP automatically means an individual has the appropriate qualifications/training to fulfil the Immediate Care Practitioner (ICP) role. 

      HCPs can ONLY provide ICP cover if they have attended specific ICP training. 

      This section provides information on what an Immediate Care Practitioner (ICP) in rugby is, what training they should undertake, what responsibilities they have and what best practice looks like for the role.  The information is set out in the following sections: 

       

      1. ICP training information / PHICIS course information. 

      2. ICP roles & responsibilities. 

      3. Healthcare Professional and Allied Healthcare Professional descriptors. 

       

       

      ICP Training Information / PHICIS Course Information 
       

      • The RFU’s Pre-Hospital Immediate Care in Sport (PHICIS) courses are rugby union specific courses that provide training for healthcare professionals and allied healthcare professionals working within sport. 

       

      • Other immediate care qualifications are accepted; however, the course must be endorsed by the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care, and the content must be appropriate for sport. Other approved courses include: 

      • FA - Advanced Trauma Medical Management in Football (ATMMiF) 

      • RFL - Immediate Medical Management on the Field of Play (IMMFoP) 

      • Scottish Rugby - Medical Cardiac & Pitch Side Skills (SCRUMCAPS) 

      • BASICS Immediate Care Course 

       

      • For the avoidance of doubt, hospital based Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), or Advanced Life Support (ALS) courses do not meet these standards. It is the satisfactory completion of endorsed immediate care training course that determines the suitability of an individual to work in this area and not their health care practitioner training. 

       

       

       

      Pre-Hospital Care in Sport (PHICIS) Level 2 

       

      • The PHICIS Level 2 is a three-day course (two online pre-course learning days and one day of face-to-face activity), aimed at those HCPs/Allied HCPs working in the community game (national league teams and below, and CB representative rugby). 

       

      • The accreditation for PHICIS Level 2 lasts for two years. 

       

      • The PHICIS Level 2 course includes: 

      • Access to online textbook and interactive learning modules 

      • Practical workshops 

      • Simulation training 

      • Certification on successful completion 

      • Endorsement by the Royal College of Surgeons – Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care. 

       

      • The interactive learning module is an essential part of the preparation for the PHICIS course. When enrolled, candidates must work through and complete all the chapters and questions 48 hours prior to attending the face-to-face training. It is advised candidates spend approximately 15 hours completing the online interactive modules. 

       

       

       

       

       

      Pre-Hospital Care in Sport (PHICIS) Level 3 

       

      • The PHICIS Level 3 is a requirement for those HCPs/Allied HCP working within professional rugby, including the Premiership, the Championship and with national teams. 

       

      • The standard cycle of accreditation and recertification is typically achieved by successfully completing the first two-day PHICIS course in season one, a re- accreditation course in seasons two and three, a re-certification course in season four with a re-accreditation course again in season five. 

       

       

       

       

       

      ICP Roles & Responsibilities 

       

      • HCPs can ONLY provide ICP cover if they have attended specific ICP training. It shouldn’t be assumed that being an HCP/ AHCP automatically means an individual has the appropriate qualifications/training to fulfil the Immediate Care Practitioner (ICP) role. 

      • Clubs and other rugby activity providers looking to use the services of an HCP as ICP should: 

      • Check that ICP qualifications are relevant and up to date. 

      • Check that the HCP is fully licensed and registered with their applicable regulatory body or society (see HCP/AHCP descriptors below). 

      • Consider having a contract with the HCP that sets out their roles and responsibilities.  

      • Ensure that the HCP has appropriate insurance for the role. HCPs may require additional insurance arrangements as a requirement of their regulating body. Below the elite level of sport, such insurance will usually be provided at no additional cost to them, as long as they have the appropriate training and experience. 

       

      • The role and responsibilities of the ICP will depend on the circumstances, e.g. they are working regularly with a club, or they are providing provision for a one-off event and whether they have responsibility for wider clinical management as well as pitch side cover.  

       

      • The role and responsibilities of a club ICP could include: 

      • Ensuring that the club’s medical requirements are met. 

      • Managing the club’s Immediate Care/Trauma equipment and ensuring it is appropriate to the level of training (e.g. PHICIS Level 2). 

      • Leading the club’s Medical Emergency Action Plan. 

      • Ensuring all injury/incident report forms are completed appropriately. 

      • Clinical management and clinical governance responsibility for immediate care provision on match days and at training for the participating teams and officials. 

      • Leading the pre-event medical briefing with participating team medical staff and match officials. 

      • Coordination with ambulance service providers and receiving hospital to ensure the safe transfer to the appropriate hospital for players requiring assessment in accident and emergency and/or admission to hospital. 

      •  

      • The role and responsibilities of an event ICP could include: 

      • Overseeing capacity for the venue/event (i.e. covering the whole venue/event and not attached to a specific team/match). 

      • Responsibility for the general first aid provision (e.g. covering off-field / spectator provision), however on-pitch provision should always be available. 

      • Providing cover and/or managing an injury to avoid any delay in training/play.  

      • Ensuring all injuries are recorded and reported appropriately. 

      • Coordinating the retrieval of injured players from the pitch to the designated medical room or direct to an ambulance. 

       

      • An ICP’s responsibility should end when either: 

      • The ICP and player agree that the player is in a fit state to re-join the training session or match. 

      • An Age Grade player is handed over to their parent(s), who are appropriately informed of injury/incident and whether seeking further treatment is recommended. 

      • An adult player is deemed safe to leave the club/venue, having discussed the injury/incident with the ICP and if seeking further treatment is recommended. 

      • The player is handed over to the ambulance paramedic crew. 

       

      Healthcare Professional and Allied Healthcare Professional Descriptors 

      HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL AND ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL DESCRIPTORS 

      HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS 
      Doctor 

      A Doctor should be registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).  

       

      The individual should have appropriate experience and training in first aid and/or pre-hospital immediate care. 

      Registration status can be checked on the GMC website. 
      Nurse 

      A Nurse should be registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC).  

       

      The individual should have appropriate experience and training in first aid and/or pre- hospital immediate care. 

      Registration status can be checked on the NMC website. 
      ALLIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS 
      Osteopath 

      An osteopath should be registered with the General Osteopathy Council as an Osteopath.  

       

      The individual should have appropriate experience and training in first aid and/or pre-hospital immediate care. 

      For more information visit the General Osteopathy Council website. 
      Paramedic 

      A paramedic should be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a State Registered Paramedic.  

       

      The individual should have appropriate experience and training in first aid and/or pre-hospital immediate care. If working outside the NHS they will require their own indemnity insurance. 

      Registration status can be checked on the HCPC website. 
      Physiotherapist 

      A physiotherapist should be registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a physiotherapist.  

       

      The individual should have appropriate experience and training in first aid and/or pre-hospital immediate care. 

      Registration status can be checked on the HCPC website. More information on physiotherapists is available on the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy website. 

        

      HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL AND ALLIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL DESCRIPTORS 
      OTHER HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS 
      Chiropractor 

      A chiropractor should be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) as a chiropractor. 

       

      The individual should have appropriate experience and training in first aid and/or pre-hospital immediate care. 

      For more information visit the GCC UK website. 
      Sports Massage Therapist 

      A Sports Massage Therapist should be qualified to Level 4 or above and be registered as a full member of a recognised association listed by the GCMT (previously General Council of the Massage Therapies now renamed Council of Soft Tissue Therapies).  

       

      The individual should have appropriate experience and training in first aid and/or pre-hospital immediate care. 

      For more information visit the GCMT website. 
      Sports Rehabilitators 

      A sports rehabilitator should be registered as a full member with British Association of Sport Rehabilitators (BASRaT).  

       

      The individual should have appropriate experience and training in first aid and/or immediate care. 

      For more information visit the BASRAT website. 
      Sports Therapist 

      A sports therapist should be qualified to Level 5 or above and be registered as a full member of a recognised association (see below).  

      The individual should have appropriate experience and training in first aid and/or pre- hospital immediate care. 

       

      • Society of Sports Therapists (SST) 

      • Sports Therapy Association (STA) 

      • Sports Therapy Organisation (STO) 

      For more information visit the appropriate website: 

      Society of Sports Therapists Sports Therapy Association Sports Therapy Organisation