• Skip to content
  • Skip to navigation
Raising Children Network
  • Pregnancy
  • Newborns
  • Babies
  • Toddlers
  • Preschoolers
  • School age
  • Pre-teens
  • Teens
  • Grown-ups
  • Autism
  • Disability

RICER first aid: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral

Sprains, strains and fractures can happen easily after accidents or falls, or during sport or other physical activities.

When an injury happens, there can be bruising and swelling in the injured area. Too much swelling can cause more damage.

Use RICER first aid for up to 72 hours after a sprain, strain or fracture. It can limit swelling and speed up recovery.

Rest, Ice, Compression

R – Rest
After injury, stop your child moving the injured limb. Movement can increase bleeding and swelling.

I – Ice
Use an ice pack wrapped in light cloth to reduce pain and swelling around the injury. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes every 2-4 hours for up to 72 hours after injury.

C – Compression
Bandage the area firmly (but not too tightly) around, above and below the injury. Overlap each layer by half. If you think it’s a fracture, make sure your child can’t move the limb.

Elevation, Referral

E – Elevation
Keep the injured area elevated. Keep legs above hips by putting the leg on a chair, pillow or stool. Use a sling for arm injuries.

R – Referral
If the injury is severe, call 000. If not, have the injury checked by your GP. A doctor might ask for X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans or MRI scans to diagnose the injury and plan treatment.

In the first 48-72 hours after an injury, don’t use treatments like heat or hot rubs. Also avoid moderate or intense activity and massage.

Download printable version

Supported By

  • Department of Social Services

Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

Member Organisations

  • Parenting Research Centre
  • The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Follow us on social media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
Join 60,000 subscribers who receive free parenting news. Sign up now
Aboriginal flag (c) WAM Clothing
Torres Strait Islands flag
At raisingchildren.net.au we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, gather and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
  • Privacy statement
  • Terms of use

© 2006-2023 Raising Children Network (Australia) Limited. All rights reserved.

Warning: This website and the information it contains is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation (HON) and complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.