ICER Protocol in First Aid: Ice, Compression, Elevation, Rest

ICER is a mnemonic for acute soft tissue injury management (sprains, strains, contusions):

1. Ice: Apply cold pack (with cloth barrier) ≤20 min at a time. Reduces swelling, pain, metabolism.
2. Compression: Elastic wrap snugly around injury. Limits edema, provides support.
3. Elevation: Raise injured area above heart level. Improves venous/lymphatic drainage, reduces swelling.
4. Rest: Avoid stress on injured tissue. Allows healing; prevent re-injury.

Initiate immediately post-injury. Reassess at 24–48 hours; seek care if no improvement or worsening.