We are not experts in first aid, this is just a guide from us to assist you, if you want to learn more about First Aid for Children you should contact your local health service and find out what courses are available in your area.

Treatment

Sprains

It is very difficult to tell the difference between a sprain and a break. If there is any doubt whatsoever, take your child to the nearest Emergency Department. An X-ray can determine whether a bone is broken.

First aid for sprains includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as RICE).

Apply ice packs or cold compresses for 30 minutes

Wearing an elastic bandage for up 2 days can help reduce the swelling.

Keep the injured boby part elevated above the level of the heart as much as possible to reduce swelling.

Do not apply heat in any form for at least 24 hours. Heat increases swelling and pain.

Making a cold compress

A cold compress minimises swelling and pain by reducing blood flow to the injured area. Leave a compress on the injury for about 30 minutes, changing it as necessary. If possible, the compress should be left uncovered, but if you need to secure it in place, use a gauze bandage or other open-weave material

• Clothing - wring it out in cold water and replace every ten minutes
• Frozen Peas - wrap a light towel before placing it on the injury
• Ice - fill a plastic bag two-thirds full of ice and add a little salt to help the ice melt, then seal.

A personal tip!

Two years ago at a volleyball tournament my husband broke his ankle. We were in the middle of a field with 200 players and ice was on limited supply. What I did was fill one of Charlotte's pull-up nappies full of ice water and fitted it around his foot. It is amazing how well it worked and how much water it took. He looked very funny with the nappy but it did the trick.

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