2 Dancers

First Aid Box

By Dr Barry Grimaldi, 1997
Updated by Nicola Stephens
and Anna Brodrick, 2013

This information is for use only in the case of minor injuries/illnesses. If you have any doubts,
send the patient to the Accident and Emergency department at the local hospital. Remember,
dancers injuries usually need special attention to ensure the safest return to dance.

Basic Injury Management Procedures

Remember P.R.I.C.E. Avoid H.A.R.M.
Protection and Rest
Heat
Stop performing if swollen or limping.
Application of heat in the first 48 hours will
Ice increase swelling and bleeding.
Apply an ice pack, wrapped in a wet towel for
Alcohol
10-20 minutes, every 1-2 hours. This is most
Swelling will be increased with intake of
effective when done as soon as possible post
alcohol.
injury.
Running / Dancing
Compression Do not return to a full work load until injury
Apply an elasticated tubular bandage if
is fully healed. Start gently, using pain as a
available (remove overnight). CAUTION:
guide.
remove bandage if there are signs of
decreased circulation (cold, discolouration, Massage
numbness) Avoid massage in the first 72 hours as it
will increase blood flow to the area being
Elevation massaged and increase bleeding, disrupting
Raise the injured part above the level of the
collagen formation.
heart to assist drainage of swelling. Place legs
on a chair whilst sitting on the floor or put
arm in a sling

One Dance UK Every care has been taken in preparing this advice but no responsibility
can be accepted by the authors or One Dance UK for any harm, however
020 7713 0730 caused, which results from this advice.
info@onedanceuk.org
www.onedanceuk.org Copyright
The text and images on this sheet belong to One Dance UK or the appropri-
ate author and are protected by copyright and other intellectual property
rights. You cannot print or reproduce any part of these text and images
other than for personal use and any copies must retain the copyright or
other intellectual property notices contained in the original material.
What to do
Blisters
Do not pierce blisters as you
risk introducing an infection
into the blister site. Surround
with a foam/felt ring and se-
cure with tape. Alternatively,
apply a specific blister plaster,
if available.
Bruises, Sprains and
Strains
Find professional help as soon
as possible for an accurate
diagnosis and advice on treat-
ment. One Dance UKs Health-
care Practitioners Directory
is a free, searchable online
database of UK health pro-
fessionals with experience of
working with dancers; www.
onedanceuk.org. You should
also apply the basic injury
management procedures.
Burns/Grazes
Run under clean cold water
for 10-15 minutes. Apply a
sterile gauze dressing with
tape.
Corns/Sore Toes etc
Surround with ring of foam/
felt padding. Secure with
tape.
Cramp/Tight Muscles
If very tender treat as strain
(see Basic Injury Management
Procedures). If the whole
muscle is in spasm apply a
slow stretch then massage,
stroking towards the heart.
Beware of dehydration if you
are in a hot environment and/
or have been sweating a lot.
Splinters
Clean with an antiseptic wipe.
Remove with sterilised twee-
zers.
Cuts - Profuse Bleeding
Apply a clean dressing over
the site of bleeding and then
maintain firm pressure and
secure with a bandage. Send
to A&E with the affected part
raised. If the casualty is in
shock lay them down, loosen/
cut tight clothes and raise
their legs.
Cuts - Moderate Bleeding
Remove surplus blood with
cotton swabs. Clean around
wound with antiseptic wipes.
If any dirt is in the wound, irri-
gate with saline. Close clean
cuts with steri-strips. Apply
plaster or dressing and apply
adhesive tape. Check for teta-
nus immediately.
Fever
Check using a thermometer
- normal body temperature
is 37.4 C. If a temperature is
present, rest and increase flu-
id intake. Please note; recent
fever may cause tiredness and Suggested Items:
cramp.
Menstruation
Tampons and sanitary towels
should be supplied.
Nose bleeds
Sit casualty down and tilt the
head forwards. Pinch just
below bony part of the nose
for 10 minutes whilst mouth
breathing. An ice pack can
also be applied to the bridge
of the nose. If the bleeding
does not stop after 30 min-
utes or is profuse, send to
A&E.
First Aid Box Checklist
(quantities depend upon the
size of the organisation)
Essential Items:
Adhesive plasters
(various sizes)
Antiseptic wipes
Adhesive tape
Bandages (various sizes
to secure dressings)
Blunt ended scissors
Cotton swabs
Disposable gloves
Eyewash
Foam/felt rings
Instant ice packs
Resuscitation mask/
mouthpiece
Sterile gauze dressings
(various sizes)
Saline (for cleaning cuts)
Steri-strips
Safety pins
Tweezers
Triangular bandages
(to use as slings)
Blister plasters
Energy bars/glucose
tablets
Foil blanket
Sanitary towels / tampons
Thermometer
* All items should be replaced
at least once a year.
Remember
All organisations of more
than 5 people should have a
trained first aider, i.e. some-
one who has taken a course
approved by the Health and
Safety Executive. Details of
approved courses can be
found on the HSEs website:
www.hse.gov.uk/firstaid/