What Is RICE and When and why would you use this formula for treating injury?

Answer 1

RICE stands for "Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation". That means:

1. Rest - do not use or weight bear on the injured part
2. Ice - apply ice as soon as the injury occurs
3. Compression - apply ace bandage (remember, it must not cut off circulation)
4. Elevate - put a hurt arm or hand up on a pillow in the person's lap; put a leg or ankle up on pillows or footstool.

The most common injury that needs RICE is an ankle sprain or foot injury, or injury to a knee. Wrists and elbows are also common injury sites. A shoulder or a hip can be injured during a fall, BUT RATHER THAN elevation, these joints need to be kept in natural alignment. Patients with an injury to a rotating joint need to be stabilized, assessed, and typically transported to the ER by ambulance.

Ice can be applied to injuries, but if any bone seems to NOT be in a normal position (twisted; at an odd angle; protruding through the skin), the patient needs an ambulance. In those cases you would only use the RI-portion of RICE and skip the -CE portion unless otherwise directed by a medical professional.

Answer 2

R.I.C.E

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation.

Learned that in Taekown Do class years ago. It's stayed with me all these years. Probably cause it's easy to remember. That or they drilled it into my head! :)

-John