R – Rest
Place athlete in a comfortable position, preferably lying down, supported and immobilized. This will reduce internal bleeding and help limit further damage around the injury site.

I - Ice
Apply ice pack to injury for 20 minutes every 2 hours. Continue this treatment for the first 48 to 72 hours after the injury has occurred. Cold reduces swelling, pain, muscle spasm and secondary damage.

C – Compression
Apply a firm wide elastic bandage generously covering the injured area, as well as above and below the injured area.
This compression reduces internal bleeding and swelling.

E - Elevation
Raise injured area above the level of the heart. This reduces bleeding, swelling and pain, as gravity helps drain excess fluid away.

R – Referral
Refer the injured person to a qualified professional such as a Doctor or Physiotherapist for precise diagnosis, ongoing care and treatment. A full recovery is then more likely with less scarring.

HANDLING MINOR CUTS AND SCRAPES
Proper care is essential to avoid infection or other complications. The following guidelines should be able to prevent such complications:

1. Arrest the bleeding.
Minor cuts and scrapes do not bleed for long. Bleeding is usually stopped by the body's natural blood clotting mechanisms. If the bleeding continues or the blood is spurting, apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage and seek medical assistance.

2. Clean the wound.
Cleaning the wound properly is important to remove foreign particles that may create infection. Water can be used to rinse the wound. Sterilized gauze can be used to remove the dirt or debris. However, if the foreign bodies remain stuck in the wound after cleaning, seek medical attention. With proper wound cleaning, the risk of infections such as tetanus can be reduced.

3. Apply antiseptic/antibiotic ointment.
Antibiotic and antiseptic cream and ointment can be used after wound cleansing. Such medication can also help prevent infection, thus helping skin healing. However, if a rash appears, you may be allergic to the medication and should stop using it.

4. Cover the wound.
It may not be necessary to cover the wound. However, bandages can help keep the wound clean if the wound is likely to be exposed to dirt. Change the dressing daily or whenever necessary.

5. See the doctor.
If there are signs of infection (redness, pain, warmth or swelling); or if you cannot remember when you had your last tetanus shot, do consult your doctor, (doctors recommend you get a tetanus vaccination every 10 years).

HANDLING PUNCTURE WOUND
A puncture wound, caused by a sharp, pointed object such as a nail or needle, usually does not result in excessive bleeding. However, due to the depth of the puncture, it can carry bacteria to cause deep-seated infections.

Puncture wounds are difficult to clean. However they can be rinsed with water. Puncture wounds resulting from human or animal bites are especially prone to infection. Seek medical attention, especially if the wound is bleeding or deep.


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