What does the acronym RICE stand for in first aid protocol?

What does the acronym RICE stand for in first aid protocol?

• A. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• B. Raise, Ice, Compression, Elevation
• C. Relax, Ice, Compression, Exercise
• D. Rest, Increase, Compression, Elevation

Answer: (A)

RICE is a quick guide for the immediate care of minor soft-tissue injuries to help control swelling and pain. Rest means limiting movement of the injured part to prevent further damage. Ice helps reduce swelling and numb pain when applied early, usually for short intervals with a barrier between skin and ice. Compression involves wrapping the area with an elastic bandage to limit swelling and provide support, making sure it isn’t so tight that it cuts off circulation. Elevation means keeping the injured limb raised above heart level when possible to help drainage of fluids and reduce swelling. The other options replace one of these key actions with terms that don’t describe the same intended steps—raise, relax, increase, or exercise—so they don’t convey the proper sequence for managing swelling after an injury.

RICE is a quick guide for the immediate care of minor soft-tissue injuries to help control swelling and pain. Rest means limiting movement of the injured part to prevent further damage. Ice helps reduce swelling and numb pain when applied early, usually for short intervals with a barrier between skin and ice. Compression involves wrapping the area with an elastic bandage to limit swelling and provide support, making sure it isn’t so tight that it cuts off circulation. Elevation means keeping the injured limb raised above heart level when possible to help drainage of fluids and reduce swelling.

The other options replace one of these key actions with terms that don’t describe the same intended steps—raise, relax, increase, or exercise—so they don’t convey the proper sequence for managing swelling after an injury.