What does PRICE stand for in first aid for acute injuries?

PRICE is an acronym used in first aid management for acute injuries, particularly sprains and strains. It stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Protection refers to the need to protect the injured area from further harm, which may involve using a brace or support to prevent movement that could exacerbate the injury. Rest is essential to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the injury, allowing the body to initiate the healing process. Ice is applied to reduce swelling and numb the pain, typically used for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Compression involves wrapping the injured area to help control swelling and provide support. Finally, Elevation is crucial because keeping the injured area elevated above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling by facilitating the return of blood from the injured site.

Each component of PRICE plays a vital role in the immediate care of acute injuries, contributing to a more efficient healing process and reducing the risk of long-term complications. The other choices do not accurately represent this well-established first aid protocol, as they either include incorrect terms or misrepresent the intended focus of the mnemonic.