3 First Aid Acronyms Everybody Should Know
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Let’s be real, sometimes in our fast paced lives we don’t always have the time to do everything we want. When it comes to me, I’ve been wanting to take a Standard First Aid & CPR course forever, but of course in the midst of online learning and filling out college applications I haven’t exactly gotten the time.
Lucky for me, in my Kinesiology class we’ve just happened to be discussing sports injuries, and specifically, First Aid Acronyms that you should use in the case of an emergency. So let me share with you 3 easy to remember and helpful First Aid Acronyms that I think you should know!
SHARP
SHARP is an acronym used to gauge the common signs of infection. Each letter represents the signs and symptoms of the the initial stage of the inflammatory/acute stage of an injury.
Swelling
- White blood cells and fluid pool up in the area of the injury
- Serves to protect the individual from further injury
- Apply ice and pressure to reduce swelling
Heat
- Caused by increased blood flow and inflammation
- Warmth can impact all the bones that make up a joint
- Warmth will go away within a few hours of injury (usually) so no further steps are needed to “heal” it
Altered function
- Altered function means that you cannot function as you normally would
- Inhibits day to day tasks that you would otherwise be able to do
- The injury will heal overtime but you may have to consult a doctor for treatment and/or medicine
Redness
- Caused by increased blood flow
- Redness should fade away within a few days so no further steps are needed to “heal” it
Pain
- The pain is caused by a compression of nerves
- Your brain makes you feel pain and imposes a preventative measure in order to keep you from further injuring yourself
