The first aid for people with sprains and dislocations

Patients need to rest, reduce movement, apply ice to relieve pain, use a bandage to gently wrap and elevate the affected area to reduce swelling.

According to Dr. Nguyen Quoc Huy, Emergency Department, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, first aid is very important for people with sprains and dislocations. First aid helps reduce risks, does not aggravate injury, facilitates the subsequent treatment at medical facilities.

If struck, victim of muscle tendon injury (linking muscles). When the joint is stretched or sprained, it is the damage of the ligament (which helps link the two ends of the bone together). In both cases, you should perform the following 4 first aid steps:

Rested

Limit movement for pain, crutches, sticks or cloth braces can be used if the injury is minor. In the post-traumatic event, normal movements are limited, so allow the lesion to rest completely by fixing the brace through two joints with anything long and firm.

Limit movement for pain, crutches, sticks or cloth braces can be used if the injury is minor.

Note: Do not try to correct, break, or correct the painful place to try to bring it back to normal or repeated movements, although difficult, will cause more pain and hurt.

Ice packs

To relieve pain and swelling, pain relievers and cold packs should be used. You can put cold ice in a plastic bag and cover it with a towel to avoid frostbite.

For the first 24 hours, apply ice for about 3 times, each time for 20 to 30 minutes. Especially, do not apply hot oil or use heat for the first 24 hours because it may cause more swelling and bruising.

Tape pressed

Use elastic bandage wrapped gently and evenly to help the lesion area reduce swelling and recover quickly. The tape should not be too tight, affecting the circulation behind the bandage.

Note : Always check the tips of your toes for purple or numbness, and if necessary, loosen the elastic bandage.

High

You need to place the injured limb above the heart to increase venous blood flow to the circulatory system, reducing swelling.

Victims after falling cannot stand up, pain in the back or neck area, unable to turn around, loss of sensation and movement, more likely to suffer from spinal cord injuries. You need to calmly call an ambulance for immediate medical assistance, as every attempt to turn or carry the victim now can aggravate the lesions in the spinal cord or back, leading to paralysis.

Dr. Huy advised to take measures to prevent accidents in the home. For example, stairs should have handrails on both sides, not leaving unnecessary objects on the stairs, paying attention to lighting up and down. The bathroom is not slippery, can be slip-resistant mats, or make separate baths so that water does not shoot across the floor. Windows should not use the type of slide that installs doors with bars. Balcony ensures safe height, appropriate shielding. For young children, adults always observe children when playing in the hallways, balconies, on the street .