First Aid for Common Paintball Injuries

Paintball is a very popular sport but its players can sustain injuries fairly often. Field first aid is important; any responsible player must know how to handle minor injuries.

The most common paintball injuries are to the eyes. In this case, the best first aid is prevention. Although serious injuries are uncommon, blindness can occur if a player shoots a ball into another player's eye at close range. Wear an approved face shield to protect the eyes at all times. If an eye is seriously injured, apply gauze to the wound and seek medical care immediately. Treat black eyes or other mild bruises in the field with cold packs, ibuprofen and a short rest.

Other common paintball injuries are orthopedic injuries, such as bruises and twisted ankles. Keep instant cold packs in your first aid kit and apply the cold pack to the injury immediately. If the injury is serious enough to prevent the player from walking, then elevate the injured limb and seek immediate medical attention.

Paintball is a lot of fun, but it is also a game in which injuries can occur often. Keep a well-packed first aid kit in an easy-to-access location and inform all players where it is kept. A little preparation goes a long way.