World Rugby First Aid in Rugby (FAIR) course In Colombo Sri Lanka

The first FAIR course in Sri Lanka was extremely well supported, from pre-course setting up of a participant “buddy system” to help with translation of the online modules -a few candidates needed this and appreciated the innovation- through to the end of the tournament 3 days later.

There was a lot of enthusiasm amongst the candidates to try and practise skills and assist each other to gain competency. This continued through to the Asia Rugby 7’s tournament over the following 2 days where course participants worked as part of the pitchside extrication team with the tournament doctors and their trainer.

Participant Feedback
“By attending an Internationally accredited course it gave a unique opportunity for many of the participants to get workplace recognition for work often regarded as backroom. They were ideally placed to help with player education especially in the area of concussion management”.

Several participants had not done formal training for their sports roles, so BLS itself was a new skill. In the post -course feedback the candidates between them identified a component from each one of skillsets taught as new to them.

As all participants took the opportunity to practise and use the skills in the following 2 days during the AR 7’s Series 3 tournament they had reinforcement of their new skills and an opportunity to use these in an active rugby environment.

Three of the 12 candidates have been recommended for medical educator training on the next available course and several more to attend an ICIR or ICIS course when the opportunity presents. Meanwhile plans are in place for more FAIR courses both in Colombo and at regional centers.

Photos and Article Gene Tong (World Rugby Regional Training Manager Asia)