Paintball Injuries
Ready….Aim….Fire!
It’s time once again for an excursion to the local paintball park – a popular recreation in Southern California. Corona, California is a hub for paintball games, and unfortunately paintball injuries. Within the last few years paintball has become a great “team” sport. Local collages support official paintball leagues from their campus. Though typically a younger persons sport, the parks see all age ranges and abilities. These parks require everyone to utilize complete safety gear. Skimping on the necessities is never a good idea – that investment in the Kevlar chest protector will come in handy when those brightly colored balls of paint start flying. Paintball can be a fun family adventure as long as some basic safety guidelines are followed.
Most paintball injuries are related to the game participant’s actions. Upon entering a paintball park, players are paired up in teams with other participants. Most of the more popular paintball parks are located in rural outdoor settings which have mock battlefield terrain set up. Typically the park is divided into sectors of approximately 1000 square feet open areas that have obstacles, ‘cover’ such as mock tanks, aircraft, huts, and brush that participants will use in play.
At the park team mates go to either side of these combat fields. An opposing team walks to the opposite side if the field and depending on the terrain and “cover,” the opposing team may not be visible. Referees observe the play and ensure that course rules are followed. Conducted in fifteen minute increments, the goal is to take out the opposing team as each team attempts to get to the opposing team’s home base “alive”.
Armed with a paintball gun, either their own or one rented at the park, each participant ‘engages’ their opponents. The battle has begun! Of note – the average paintball is shot at about 260 to 300 feet per second so a direct hit with a paint ball at close range is definitely felt on impact. Protective gear to prevent injury from this type of impact is a must.
To prevent injuries, take a basic first aid class and follow these basic safety guidelines before playing:
- Familiarize yourself with the course rules and layout
- Follow the instructions of the referees
- Make sure all required protective gear is properly in place
- Expect paintball contact and bruising
Unfortunately some injuries are unexpected. Paintball “battle” can be very physical! Games played on open field settings with uneven terrain require the players to negotiate a variety of obstacles in a rapid pace while avoiding incoming “fire.” Ankle and knee injuries are common. Sun and heat exposure are potential hazards as well. Eye injuries and soft tissue injuries come up on a regular basis too. Overuse and muscle strain injuries affect even the most fit player and the worst case scenario is cardiac arrest. All paintball players should be familiar with basic first aid and CPR.
Paintball has developed into a sport that is popular worldwide. If basic safety guidelines are followed, safety can be maintained while in the pursuit of a great recreational activity.
Paintball Basic First Aid
SureFire CPR wants everyone to stay engaged in life. The Basic First Aid course taught at SureFire CPR facilities will teach the skills needed to stay safe no matter where people play. With a new office open in Corona and two other offices in Orange County, SureFire CPR can help your summer paintball be safe. Remember, mayhem can find you anywhere. Be proactive and let us help you prepare to have fun at high-risk recreation. Learn CPR certification Corona style at SureFire CPR!
