TEACHER PAGE

R.
I.
BY C.
BEAU
BENHARDT E.
Injuries that are not severe or caused by
overuse of underdeveloped muscles, may be
healed by simply avoiding any activity that
uses the damaged part of the body. Most
muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries need to
be immobilized for 2 to 3 days following the
injury. Early use can cause further damage
to the area, and delay healing.
THE ACRONYM R. I. C. E. IS AN
EASY WAY TO REMEMBER THE FOUR
BASIC METHODS USED TO SPEED
MINOR INJURY RECOVERY.
REST
ICE
COMPRESSION
ELEVATION
The application of ice is the best way
to treat most soft tissue injuries. Ice,
when applied within the first 24-72
hours after the injury, decreases
swelling, bleeding, pain, and
inflammation.
For any injury, immediate compression
is important. Applying direct external
pressure to an injury will decrease
swelling and bleeding. Compression
should be continued for at least 24 hours
after the injury. Ice can be applied
during compression.
Elevation helps to reduce internal
bleeding and swelling. The injured
area should be raised above the level
of the heart. This is especially
important at night.
IN YOUR JOURNAL:
LIST THE STEPS YOU
WOULD TAKE TO
TREAT THE
FOLLOWING INJURIES.
SPRAINED
ANKLE
AVOID USING ANKLE AS
MUCH AS POSSIBLE. USE
CRUTCHES WHEN YOU
WALK.
PUT ICE ON ANKLE FOR 24-72
HOURS, 20 MINUTES AT A
TIME 4-6 TIMES A DAY.
WRAP THE ANKLE USING AN
ELASTIC BANDAGE AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE. KEEP IT
WRAPPED FOR 24 HOURS.

KEEP LEG ABOVE LEVEL OF

HEART WHILE RESTING.
SPRAINED
WRIST
TWISTED
KNEE
BROKEN
ARM
 TRICK
QUESTION
R.I.C.E. SHOULD ONLY BE
USED ON MINOR, SOFT
TISSUE INJURIES.
THE
END
TEACHER PAGE

The purpose of this lesson is to give the students a

refresher course in the practice of using the R. I. C.
E. principles. The students will need a journal in
which to write their answers. When you get to the
point where the injuries are given, give the students
3-5 minutes to compile their answers. Then click
the next slide. The first injury (sprained ankle) will
have an example of possible correct answers. The
remaining slides will list the R. I. C. E. principles
only, the students should fill in their own
procedures.