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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Ice Pack or Cold Pack

Follow these steps to make an ice pack:

  • Put about 1 lb (0.5 kg) of ice in a plastic bag.
  • Add enough water to barely cover the ice.
  • Squeeze the air out of the bag, and seal it.
  • Wrap the bag in a damp towel, and apply it to the painful area.
  • Use the ice pack for up to 15 minutes at a time.

You can make cold packs from items found in your freezer, or you can buy commercial cold packs.

Recommended Related to First Aid

Treating Bloody Stools in Children

Bleeding is severe Your child seems weak, faint, or very sick

Read the Treating Bloody Stools in Children article > >

  • Ice bags or bags of frozen peas are inexpensive, last 10 to 20 minutes, and mold well to your body.
  • Cold packs (vinyl-coated silica gel) are lightweight, mold to your body, and last for 20 to 30 minutes. (If the chemical inside leaks out, you may get a chemical burn.)
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Revised November 4, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 04, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
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