Minor injuries are a common thing when you’re an active and athletic person, dealing with other active and athletic people. Sporting games, sporting events and outdoor activities all carry the risk of cuts, abrasions, sprains or pulls of varying types. That doesn’t mean you should avoid doing those things, however (because then you’d never have any fun). It just means you need to be ready to treat any mishaps or accidents along the way.  Creating the kind of kits that’ll benefit you and your players isn’t difficult to do, so here’s 5 tips we think will help you create the ideal sports first aid kits for your needs.

Assemble your kits according to sport

Every sport comes with its own potential injuries. Players of group sports such as baseball or basketball are likely to encounter bruises, abrasions, minor road rash and sprained limbs or digits. You’ll want to stock those sports first aid kits with cooling creams or packs, compress wraps, disinfectant and fabric bandages. Players in activities like track and field, swimming or boxing will encounter blisters, heat rashes, sprains limbs and pulled muscles. You’ll need to stock sunscreen, cooling gels and disinfectants, wraps and gauze, padding and bandages of multiple sizes and types.

Outdoor events will need treatments for sunburns or sunstroke, and having EpiPens® and bee sting kits on hand are also a smart idea for rounding out sports first aid kits.

Stock more than you think you’ll need

If you’re attending group sports, the risk of injuries across a team is likely. You’ll need to be ready to treat several athletes at once, which can deplete your first aid supplies quickly. Just like when you’re throwing a big party, it’s better to have more than what you’ll need, than to not have nearly enough. One extra or fewer bandage can make a big difference in successful treatment. And when you’re treating children, creams that soothe (or at the least, don’t sting) can help calm a frantic or fearful kid.

Pack kits carefully in strong containers

Your sports first aid kits are likely to follow you to a lot of sporting events over a long span of time. Their containers will likely be neglected, tossed around and put through their paces. That’s why choosing a strong, protected carrying case is a smart way to future-proof your first aid needs. If your kits are used in humid places or experience a lot of inclement weather, watertight or waterproof containers will ensure their integrity. Kits that will be roughed up and passed around should have reinforced walls and strong corners to avoid crushing damage.

Keep kits in sight and easy to access

A great sports first aid kit isn’t any help if it’s left where it can’t be found. If you’re close to the field, keep it in sight of coaches and make sure team members know where it is. Making its container bright and noticeable (the standard red is always a smart choice) will make it easy to spot in an emergency. And when it’s time to open the kit, ensure it’s easy to open and all supplies are grouped together in clear plastic zipper bags or compartments (that are also easy to open, of course).

Don’t forget about P.R.I.C.E.

After you’ve assembled your sports first aid kits, don’t forget to give yourself a little education on treating sports injuries, too. Start by reading the first aid reference guide or manual for the basics. Then while you’re treating any minor limb injuries, employ the PRICE routine. Protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation. That’ll help your patient start down the road to treatment and recovery.

Want to ensure you’ve got the supplies you’ll need? Pick up this deluxe sports edition first aid kit.

Once you break things down and form a plan, it’s easy to create sports first aid kits that’ll benefit you and your athletes. With these tips to guide your supplies collecting, you’ll be ready for the next time a budding athlete or veteran sports lover takes a spill. And remember, first aid of any kind is meant to treat minor injuries and stabilize an injured person. In cases where the injuries are serious, always take the injured party to the hospital.