How To

First Aid for strains and sprains

Steps to follow:

1. Monitor the patients lifeline (DRABC)
2. Follow the RICE First Aid treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
3. Seek medical attention

When assessing the patient, if there is a lot of pain at the injury site, treat the injury as a fracture and seek immediate medical attention.

R - Rest

Have the patient lie down and rest their injury. Ask them not to move or put any pressure on the injured area.

I - Ice

Apply a cold compress immediately to the injured area. Wrap an ice block or packet of frozen vegetables or a plastic zip-lock bag with ice and water in a clean cloth or towel and apply to the injured area for 15 minutes every 2 hours for the first 24 hours. Then 15 minutes every 4 hours for the next 24 hours. The ice helps to reduce swelling around the injury.

C - Compression

Apply an elastic compression bandage to the injured area. Apply it firmly, without cutting off circulation to the injury. Cover as much of the injury site as possible. This also assists in reducing the swelling.

E - Elevation

Elevate the injured area above the level of the patients heart. Have them lie down and prop their arm or leg above their chest with comfortable support.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible.