ICE Explained by Kids
When You Hurt Yourself
Imagine you are running across the playground when your foot lands awkwardly. Your ankle hurts and starts to swell. ICE can help manage pain and swelling after some minor injuries.
Before ICE, stop the activity, tell an adult, and protect the injured body part from more harm.
- IceA wrapped cold pack can temporarily reduce pain
- CompressionGentle support can help manage swelling
- ElevationRaising the injured part can make it more comfortable
What Happens When You Get Hurt?
Your body has its own emergency response system. The moment you are injured, it gets to work.
Pain has an important job. It tells you to stop and protect the injured area.
- The alarm soundsNerves send signals to your brain. You feel this as pain!
- Fluid arrivesFluid and immune cells move to the area. This causes swelling.
- The repair crew arrivesInflammation starts the natural cleanup and repair process
I Is for Ice
Cold can temporarily turn down pain signals and help manage swelling after some fresh minor injuries. It manages symptoms but does not instantly repair tissue.
Never put ice directly on your skin and never fall asleep with a cold pack on your body.
- TellTell a grown up what happened!
- WrapWrap cold pack or ice in towel.
- PlaceRest it gently over the injured area
- TimeKeep it there for about 10 to 20 minutes
- RemoveLet the skin warm normally before another application
C Is for Compression
Compression means gently supporting an injured area with an elastic bandage or suitable support. Gentle pressure can help limit swelling and provide support.
Children should ask an adult or trained first aider to help with compression.
- SupportiveIt feels comfy, not too tight!
- Numb or tinglyLoosen that bandage up!
- Cold, pale, or blue skinLoosen it; tell a grown up!
- Worse pain or swellingRemove it, then get help, fast!
E Is for Elevation
Elevation means raising the injured body part, ideally above the level of your heart when practical. For an ankle, lie down and rest your leg on pillows.
Gravity helps fluid move away from the swollen area, which may reduce swelling and discomfort.
Your Injury Action Plan
- StopStop the activity, ok?
- TellTell a grown up helper!
- ProtectKeep that ouchie safe from more harm!
- IceUse a wrapped cold pack for a short time!
- CompressGentle support from a grown up is good!
- ElevateLift the hurt part when you can do it!
- MoveAfter serious injury is ruled out, return gradually to gentle movement as it becomes comfortable
What Should You Watch For?
A mild injury may hurt and swell a little but should gradually become more comfortable. Tell an adult and get medical advice when you are unsure.
- Mild painGets comfier as time passes! You'll feel better!
- Small swellingSwelling can appear after a bump or twist!
- MovementYou can still move it, but it might feel a little ouchy or odd.
- Getting worseMore pain, swelling quickly, or moving gets harder. Oh no!
When ICE Is Not Enough
Some injuries need more than basic first aid. Get an adult, first aider, or medical professional involved. Emergency symptoms need urgent medical attention.
- Possible broken bonePart looks bent or weirdly shaped!
- Serious painPain is very bad or keeps getting worse!
- Cannot use itCan't stand, walk, or use the injured part!
- Heavy bleedingSerious bleeding, or a wound that is deep.
- Poor circulationFingers and toes feel cold, numb, or blue.
- Rapid swellingSwelling gets big very, very quickly now!
- Head, neck, or back injuryGet help, especially with confusion, vomiting, unusual sleepiness, or a seizure
ICE Is Not Right for Every Injury
- BurnsNever put ice right on a burn, it's not good!
- Open woundsControl bleeding, then clean and cover.
- Suspected broken bonesDo not try to fix the bone!
- Snake bitesGet a grown up to find medical help fast!
- Cold sensitive conditionsAsk a healthcare professional before using cold
Your Body Has Its Own Repair Team
ICE does not heal an injury by itself. Your body does much of the work.
Your body is like a tiny repair workshop that never stops working!
- InflammationImmune cells and chemicals arrive
- CleanupDamaged cells and tissue are cleared away
- RepairYour body rebuilds damaged tissue, making it new again!
- RecoveryCare & movement help area grow stronger, day by day!
🩹 Amazing First Aid Facts
Pain Alarm
Pain is one way your body warns you to stop and protect yourself from harm.
Swelling
Swelling happens in part because fluid moves into tissues that are injured.
Lift It Up!
Lift injured body parts! It helps fluid drain, making you feel better.
Tell a Grown
Tell a trusted grown up what happened right away. It's super important!
Summary
🛑 Stop
Stop activity! Avoid more injury right now.
🧊 Ice
Use wrapped ice for a short time only, okay?
🩹 Compress
Get gentle support with grown up help!
⬆️ Elevate
Lift the hurt part up high when you can!
👀 Watch
Look for signs if an injury is really bad.
📣 Ask
Ask a grown up or doctor if you're not sure.
Ready for the challenge?
ICE First Aid Mission
You are the first aid helper at a school sports day. Stay calm, protect each injured child, and know when to call an adult or medical professional.
📖 First Aid Dictionary
Injury
Body part hurt! Like from a fall, accident, or hard hit. Ouch!
Sprain
Ligament injury! When a joint twists or stretches too much. Ow!
Strain
An injury where a muscle or a tendon gets pulled or stretched!
Bruise
A patch of skin that changes color when tiny blood vessels burst!
Inflammation
Your body's way of fighting injury, causing warmth, pain, redness, and swelling!
Compression
Gentle pressure that helps an injured area and can manage swelling just right!
Elevation
Lift up hurt body part to help stop swelling. Fun!
First aid
Quick care for someone hurt or suddenly sick. Yay!
Circulation
Blood moving all around your body, wow!
Recovery
Getting better after being sick or hurt!
You Are Now an ICE First Aid Expert!
Stay calm, stop, protect, use ICE safely, and always know when to ask an adult for help.
