Sprains & Strains – What to do
Ever twisted your ankle or pulled a muscle and wondered if it is just a sprain, or something worse? Sprains and strains happen to the best of us and most are minor, but sometimes what you think is a minor injury could be a fracture or even a spinal injury.
How to Spot a Sprain or Strain….
Firstly, look out for:
- Pain in the area
- Swelling or bruising
- Tenderness or weakness
If you are unsure, always best to treat it as a possible fracture in the first instance, as only an X-ray can tell for sure.
Quick First Aid: R.I.C.E
For most minor injuries, follow these simple steps:
- Rest the injured area
- Ice to reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly and follow a 10 minutes on & off rule.
- Comfort / Compression for support.
- Elevation to help with swelling
BUT Take Care to Watch Out for Spinal Injuries
After high-impact accidents, like a fall, a car crash, or a rugby tackle, spinal injuries are possible. Call for help immediately if the casualty
- Fell from a height
- Has neck or back pain
- Is confused or unconscious
Don’t move them unless necessary! — It could make things worse.
Even a small sprain can be painful, and serious injuries need extra care. Knowing the signs and acting fast can make all the difference.
What to do if you think a bone is broken (fracture)?
If you suspect a fracture, stay calm, immobilise the injured limb to prevent further damage & seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services (999/emergency services) or go to A&E.
Only an X-Ray will confirm a break!
Why First Aid Training Matters
Emergencies rarely give warnings. Cardiac arrests, choking incidents, serious injuries & sudden illnesses can happen anywhere, at any time. Ambulance responce times can vary, and those first actions are often carried out by ordinary people before professional help arrives.
That’s where first aid training makes the difference.
Being trained means you’re not frozen by panic. You know what to look for, what to do, and how to help someone safely until emergency services take over.
First Aid Training with Prima Cura Training
Prima Cura Training delivers UK-compliant first aid courses that cover:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures and spinal injury awareness
- Bleeding, shock, and unconsciousness
- CPR and AED use
- Emergency response and casualty care
All training is delivered in line with UK guidance and best practice, ensuring learners leave with practical, real-world skills.
