Instructions

• Instructions for new users

Call 911 Now If:

• Serious injury with multiple fractures
• Major bleeding that can't be stopped

Call Your Doctor Now If:

• You think your child has a serious injury
• Looks like a broken bone or dislocated joint
• Swollen elbow or any large swelling
• Skin beyond the injury is pale or blue
• Age < 1 year old
• Bicycle spoke or washing machine wringer injury
• Severe pain
• Won't stand or walk/Has a limp when walking
• Unable to move arm normally (esp. if someone pulled on the arm)
• Joint nearest the injury can't be moved fully (opened and closed)
• Knee injury with a "snap" or "pop" felt at the time of impact

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours If:

• You think your child needs to be seen

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Hours If:

• You have other questions or concerns

Home Care (Read "Call Your Doctor…" first):

Treatment of Pulled Muscle, Bruised Muscle or Bruised Bone

• Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the area for 20 minutes per hour. Repeat for 4 consecutive hours. After 48 hours, use local heat for 10 minutes 3 times per day to help reabsorb the blood
• Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen 4 times per day for pain. Continue for at least 48 hours
• Rest the injured part as much as possible for 48 hours
• For pulled muscles, teach the youngster about stretching exercises and strength training

Treatment of Mild Sprains (stretched ligaments) of Ankle or Knee

• First aid: immediate compression and ice to reduce bleeding, swelling, and pain
• Treat with R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) for the first 24 to 48 hours
• Apply compression with a snug, elastic bandage for 48 hours. Numbness, tingling, or increased pain means the bandage is too tight
• Apply a cold pack or ice bag wrapped in a wet cloth to the area for 20 minutes per hour. Repeat for 4 consecutive hours
• Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen 4 times per day for pain. Continue for at least 48 hours
• Keep injured ankle or knee elevated and at rest for 24 hours
• After 24 hours, allow any activity that doesn't cause pain

Expected Course

Pain and swelling usually peak on day 2 or 3. Swelling is usually gone by 7 days. Pain may take 2 weeks to completely resolve.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Pain becomes severe
• Pain is not improving after 3 days
• Pain lasts > 2 weeks
• Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor…" symptoms