First Aid Care

What is RICE treatment ?

RICE is an acronym used to outline the proper response to many types of common injuries, including minor sprains or pulled muscles.

These steps should be taken immediately after minor injuries so that you can determine if additional medical care is necessary.

The steps in RICE care include :

Rest

It’s important to protect and rest the injured area to prevent additional damage.

Ice

Using an ice pack or cold pack can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. You should ice an injury for 10-20 minutes several times a day until swelling subsides.

Compression

Wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage can also help reduce swelling. Be sure the bandage isn’t wrapped too tightly, and check the area regularly.

Elevation

Raising the injured body part at or above your heart level while sitting or lying down can also assist in minimizing swelling.

If RICE treatment isn’t effective in reducing pain or swelling, contact Dr. Lalezary to schedule an appointment.

What are basic first aid steps for cuts ?

Any time your skin is broken, it’s important to address bleeding and take steps to prevent infection.

When you experience a cut, you should immediately make an effort to stop any bleeding. That involves placing direct pressure on the wound. Use this time to try and calm yourself or the person whom you’re helping.

Next, it’s critical to clean the area carefully. You can use warm water to rinse off the cut and allow a visual inspection of the area.

Finally, protect the area by using a sterile bandage to seal off the cut. An antibacterial ointment can help speed healing and reduce the risk of infection.

Seek immediate medical care for any of these conditions :

  • Bleeding that you can’t stop within 10 minutes of applied pressure
  • Blood that’s gushing or spurting from a wound
  • Large or deep cuts

How should I treat cases of food poisoning ?

Most incidents of food poisoning pass in a relatively short period, although it may seem like longer.

Several factors can cause food poisoning, from consuming dangerous food items to improperly refrigerated food. Certain bacteria and viruses can lead to severe food poisoning and often require medical intervention.

If you become nauseous after eating, you should avoid consuming anything spicy, greasy, or sweet until the sensation passes. Sip water to prevent dehydration and reduce the urge to vomit.

Don’t take medication to treat nausea or diarrhea unless advised by a medical professional, as these medications can sometimes worsen diarrhea.

Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms include :

  • More than three days without relief
  • Fever
  • Prolonged vomiting
  • Blood in your stool or vomit
  • Signs of dehydration, including dizziness, dry mouth, and increased heart rate