Cold Compresses

Cold compresses and ice packs have the potential to reduce pain and swelling from injuries such as bruises and sprains. To create a cold compress, soak a clean cloth in cold water and apply it to the injured area for 10 minutes. You will need to re-soak in cold water every few minutes to keep the cloth cold. To create an ice pack, fill a plastic bag with ice, or use a package of frozen vegetables. Apply the ice pack to the injured area for no more than 10 minutes. You may need to apply the ice pack multiple times, but give the injured area 5 minutes rest in between each time you apply.

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Resources

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Austin, M., Crawford, R., & Armstrong, V. J. (2014). First aid manual. (G. M. Piazza, Ed.) (5th ed.). DK Publishing. https://kuiyem.ku.edu.tr/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/American-College-of-Emergency-Physicians-ACEP-First-Aid-Manual.pdf.