Which first aid approach is common to sprain, strain and contusion?

• A. Immobilise and seek medical help
• B. Apply heat and massage
• C. RICE/PRICE
• D. Immediate surgery

Answer: (C)

Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains and contusions benefit from early steps that limit swelling and pain while protecting the area. RICE, or the extended PRICE version, is the standard approach: Rest the injured part to prevent further injury, Ice to reduce swelling and numb pain, Compression with a bandage to control swelling, and Elevation to help drainage of fluids. PRICE adds Protection to guard the area from further harm. Heat or massage during the acute phase can worsen swelling, so they aren’t used first. Immobilisation or immediate surgery are not the typical first-aid steps for these common injuries, unless there's reason to suspect a more serious problem.