2017 HCHB_digital

CONTINUING OTC EDUCATION
RICED regimen
••
Rest – No further exercise for at least 48 hours.
••
Ice – Apply ice (bags of frozen peas are ideal) for 20 minutes every two hours for the first 48
hours. Wrap ice in a moist towel to protect the skin from ice burn.
••
Compression – Apply a crepe bandage that extends above and below the area to help limit
bleeding and swelling.
••
Elevation – Ideally raise the injury above the heart to help fluid drain away from the injury
and limit swelling.
••
Diagnosis – Consult a medical professional or sports physiotherapist for a precise diagnosis,
ongoing care and treatment. A full recovery is then more likely.
Initial assessment
If a customer presents with an acute injury, apply ice to the affected area then
run through the Refer to Pharmacist questions and refer any "yes" answers
to a pharmacist. Any injury accompanied by severe pain, significant swelling or
bruising, or restricted movement may indicate tendon or ligament damage and
needs to be investigated by a doctor or physiotherapist.
Strains may be treated with oral or topical analgesics. Offer advice about
warming up before and after exercise in addition to stretching and strengthening
exercises once the pain has gone.
Advice for customers
• Sprains, strains and other soft tissue injuries are best treated by the RICED
regimen for the first 48 hours.
»»
Controlled mobilisation of the joint usually begins after 48 hours.
»»
Avoid HARMful activities (Heat, Alcohol, Running, Massage) for 48–72
hours after a sprain or strain.
»»
Allow enough time for the injury to heal properly. If surgery is needed, it
may take at least six months before a person can return to sport.
• Supports such as shoes with good ankle support, tape for ankle strapping,
knee braces, etc, are important once activity is resumed.
• With more severe injuries, non-weight-bearing exercise may be preferred
initially (eg, swimming, cycling).
• Organise work areas to make them more comfortable and avoid awkward
working postures.
• Practise correct lifting techniques and use two-person lifts.
• Warm up, stretch and take regular breaks from intensive activities.
Refer to
PHARMACIST
The following questions aim to identify customers who would
benefit from further input from a pharmacist. Your initial assessment
may have already provided some answers. Decide if any further
questions still need to be asked and refer any “yes” answers to a
pharmacist.
• Does the person have health conditions (eg, diabetes, is pregnant
or breast feeding), or is taking other medication, and is wanting
oral or topical pain relief?
• Has the pain persisted for five to seven days after the injury or got
worse?
• Is the pain or swelling very severe?
• Is there a loss of normal range of movement or is there any
numbness?
• Is the pain affecting a person’s ability to function (eg, feeling
dizzy)?
• Is the strain or sprain in a child?
• Does the injured area look crooked or have lumps and bumps
(other than swelling) that are not seen on the uninjured joint?
• Is the person unable to move the injured joint or walk more than
four steps without significant pain?
• Is there any redness or red streaks spreading out from the injury?
• Has the area been injured several times before?
• Is there pain, swelling, or redness over a bony part of the foot?
• Does the person have any allergies to medicines?
*TREAT THE
INFLAMMATION
PROVEN
BACK PAIN
RELIEF
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