In the RICE first aid protocol, what does the I stand for?

• A. Increase movement
• B. Immobilize, stabilize the injured body part with a splint
• C. Irrigate wound
• D. Ice applied

Answer: (B)

In the RICE approach, the I stands for Ice applied to the injured area. Applying cold helps reduce swelling and numb the pain by constricting blood vessels and slowing metabolic processes in the tissues right after injury. Use a cold pack or wrapped ice for about 15–20 minutes at a time, with a cloth barrier between the ice and skin to prevent frostbite, and repeat every 1–2 hours during the first day or two as needed. Don’t place ice directly on bare skin and avoid prolonged exposure. Elevating the limb and allowing rest support healing. Immobilization with a splint is related to stabilizing a suspected fracture but isn’t what the I represents. Irrigating a wound is a separate care step for potentially dirty wounds, not part of the Ice component.