Rest with Ice

[William Mahaffy]

As an EMT and paramedic educator, I must say that the article on abrasions, contusions and lacerations was right on, complete, yet simple.  But, if I may add to the ICE treatment the component of rest thus making the memonic "RICE".....Rest, Ice, Compression (or cover with skin breaks), and Elevation.

Randy Davis,

Reply from Bill Mahaffy:

Thanks for the kind comments. I wholeheartedly agree that rest is an important component of the therapy for minor trauma injuries. I have noted, however, that is difficult to get sailors to comply with this recommendation. I'm hoping that if they actually follow all three parts of ICE, the elevation portion will require that that they get some rest as an added benefit.