Warren County Guide
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First Aid For Acute Injuries

Sprains and muscle pulls and tears:    Remember the letters in R-I-C-E

R

 REST Stop playing or running as soon as possible. Take your weight off the injured leg (or rest an injured arm) right away. Rest your arm or leg for up to 24 hours.

I

 ICE Apply an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) as soon as possible. Apply for 10 minutes every hour.

C

 COMPRESSION Use a compression bandage (ace wrap) to apply pressure to the injured area. This will help to reduce swelling. Padding can be added over the injured area. Be careful not to apply too tightly: do not cut off the circulation (blood flowing to the arm or leg)!!

E

 ELEVATION Raise an injured arm  above the level of your heart if possible, or an injured leg above the level of your hips. Prop your arm on pillows, or elevate your leg on a chair or couch.

Gradually try to move and stretch the injured limb over the next few days. If not improving, consult a physician. If you have severe pain over a bone, it could be broken and you should see a doctor right away.

 

Lacerations and cuts:

Stop bleeding by applying DIRECT PRESSURE. Use a clean cloth or tissue if available. Keep applying pressure until the bleeding stops, or until medical personnel take over. Even if bleeding stops, but a gaping wound is seen, it will probably need stitches.

Nosebleeds: Same principle, apply direct pressure by pinching the nostrils with gentle but firm pressure. (No ice, no indirect pressure such as bridge of nose, lip, or neck, no leaning back, no leaning forward.) Apply pressure to nostrils for a few minutes, and check for bleeding. If bleeding continues, apply pressure for a few more minutes, and continue until bleeding stops.

 

Head and Neck Injuries:

Do not move the injured person by yourself. Wait until medical personnel apply devices to stabilize the neck. You could cause damage to the spinal cord that results in paralysis!