Bruising:

• Caused by a fall or a hard or heavy blow
• Bleeding into the deep tissues occurs

 

Sprain:

• Occurs when a joint goes beyond its normal range of movement
• Bleeding into the tissues occurs

 

Strain:

• Occurs when a muscle or a group of muscles are over stretched

 

Signs and Symptoms may include:

• Pain and tenderness
• Swelling
• Cannot weight bear

· Discolouration

· Loss of movement around the injury

 

Treatment

Follow the Basic First Aid Plan to assess the casualty

ü Rest and support the injured limb

ü Ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and to aid in healing.  Up to 20 minutes

ü Compression bandage is applied for support

ü Elevate the limb to reduce any further swelling

ü Refer injury to a doctor

 

How to Apply an ice pack

Every alternative 20 minutes for the first 2 hours

Then

20 minutes every 2 hours for the next 48 hours

 

Do not place ice directly onto the skin. It can damage the skin.  Wrap it in a wet towel

Do not apply heat