The Administration of Medications by Non-Medical Personnel
 has adopted the following policy of Sports Medicine Australia (WA Branch) as a guide to the administration of medications by non-medical personnel:
Sports Medicine Australia (WA Branch) Policy
All medications, including prescription and those available over-the-counter, can have serious side-effects. These side-effects may become a problem when the body is placed under the additional stress caused by physical activity.
This policy has been designed to assist individuals who do not have any medical training but who may be asked to administer medications to an athlete. The policy may also assist clubs or teams in determining the contents of their first aid kit.
Sports Medicine Australia (WA Branch) strongly recommends that all non-medical personnel involved with sport adhere to the following guidelines.
Recommendations
General
Non-medical personnel should not dispense or recommend any prescription medications. However, over-the-counter medications may be recommended to relieve mild conditions.
Medications must be used only as directed.
The use of medications must be documented for future reference.
Medications should not be used to allow an athlete to compete when they would otherwise not be able to, ie. where an injury or illness would have prevented their involvement.
Using more than one drug at a time is dangerous. Be particularly wary of drinking alcohol while using medications.
Medications should be kept in a safe place out of the reach of children.
Preparation
Pre-participation screening questionnaires should be used to identify members who require the use of medication.
Emergency procedures for those using medications should be detailed prior to competition.
Analgesics
It is generally safe to provide mild pain relief through the use of over-the-counter products as long as they are used according to directions.
Paracetamol products are generally recommended over aspirin, which may slightly increase bleeding. Allergies to aspirin are also more common.
Analgesics should be removed from the first aid kit prior to their expiry date.
Asthma
Asthmatics should carry their own ‘reliever medication’ to all games and training sessions however it is often forgotten, especially by children. It is therefore recommended that an asthma reliever medication and a spacer or mini-spacer is included in first aid kits for use by those with diagnosed asthma.
Each asthmatic should have a written “Exercise-Induced Asthma Management Plan” provided by their personal physician. This should be kept in the first aid kit so that the person administering can check and provide the prescribed dose quickly.
Relievers are best used through a spacer, if available. Use 1 puff at a time and ask the person to take 4 breaths from the spacer after each puff. The usual dosage for reliever medications is 2-4 puffs, however each medication should be used according to directions on the packaging.
After the first dose wait for 4 minutes. If there is no improvement, provide another dose.
If there is little or no improvement, call an ambulance immediately (Dial 000). Keep providing 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the ambulance arrives.
The use of out-of-date asthma reliever medications has been associated with an increased risk of cardiac arrest. Therefore it is particularly important that these medications are removed from first aid kits prior to their expiry date.
Asthma medications contain banned substances. Therefore most sports require that elite athletes with asthma provide written notification of their condition and their use of medications to their National Sporting Organisation. This should be done in writing prior to competition.
Undiagnosed Breathing Difficulties
Non-medical personnel should not be involved in diagnosing asthma or initiating treatment. However in an emergency it may be useful to provide an asthma reliever to someone having difficulty breathing. The Asthma Foundation of WA recommends the following for a first attack of asthma:
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If someone collapses and appears to have difficulty breathing, call an ambulance immediately.
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Give 4 puffs of a reliever and repeat if no improvement. Keep giving 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the ambulance arrives.
No harm is likely to result from giving a reliever to someone who does not have asthma.
(Asthma Foundation of WA website, 2001)
Elite Athletes
Elite athletes may be subject to drug testing and should therefore check all medications including over the counter products as many contain banned substances.
To check that a medication is permitted, call the Drugs in Sport Hotline on 1800 020 506.
Education
Anyone responsible for administering medications should be trained in sports first aid or possess a current first aid certificate.
For Further Information
- Sports Medicine Australia (WA Branch)
Tel: 08 9285 8033
Email: info@smawa.asn.au
- Alcohol & Drug Information Service
24 hour confidential telephone, counselling, information and referral
Tel: 08 9442 5000
Toll free: 1800 198 024
- Australian Sports Drug Agency Drugs in Sport Hotline
Toll free: 1800 020 506
This policy was developed with advice and assistance from Sports Medicine Australia (WA Branch) members and others. Thanks to Dr Alan Morton, Dr Gerard Taylor, Dr Rod Moore, Dr Arjun Rao and the Asthma Foundation of WA.
Adopted Sept 2001
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