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GCSE · Physical Education

PE.PT12 Treating Sporting Injuries: The RICE Method and Immediate Care

AQA 8582 · Calculators not allowed · about 40 minutes

Total Marks

Name: _______________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______

Answer all questions. Write full sentences for questions worth 3 marks or more. Aim to complete the pack in 40 minutes.

In the context of immediate care after a sprained ankle during a five-a-side football match, which one of the following lists the four stages of the RICE method in the correct order?

A) Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
B) Ice, Rest, Elevation, Compression
C) Compression, Rest, Ice, Elevation
D) Elevation, Compression, Ice, Rest

(Total for Question 1 is 1 mark)

State the 'Rest' stage of RICE as it should be applied immediately after a player twists an ankle in a five-a-side match.

(Total for Question 2 is 1 mark)

State the 'Ice' stage of RICE as used immediately on a strained hamstring during a training drill.

(Total for Question 3 is 1 mark)

State the 'Compression' stage of RICE as it would be applied to a swollen wrist after a collision in a basketball game.

(Total for Question 4 is 1 mark)

State the 'Elevation' stage of RICE to be used immediately after a player sprains their ankle attempting to volley a ball.

(Total for Question 5 is 1 mark)

Match each RICE stage to its immediate purpose in limiting swelling and further damage after a twisted ankle during a five-a-side match. Provide one short purpose for each stage.

(a)Rest: give the immediate purpose for resting the injured ankle on the sideline.(1)

(b)Ice: give the immediate purpose for applying a cold pack to the ankle.(1)

(c)Compression: give the immediate purpose for using an elastic wrap on the ankle.(1)

(d)Elevation: give the immediate purpose for raising the ankle above heart level.(1)

(Total for Question 6 is 4 marks)

Describe the immediate first-aid steps a responsible player should take if an opposing player falls and appears to have twisted their ankle during a five-a-side match. Give the steps in the order you would perform them.

(Total for Question 7 is 3 marks)

Identify the immediate first priority for a teammate who finds a player lying on the pitch and not moving after a head collision during a training match.

(Total for Question 8 is 1 mark)

A player has a suspected broken collarbone after a collision. Describe two immediate actions that should be taken to protect the casualty before qualified medical help arrives.

(a)Action 1(1)

(b)Action 2(1)

(Total for Question 9 is 2 marks)

Explain why you should avoid applying ice directly to the skin of an injured thigh muscle, and state the correct way to apply cold therapy immediately after a strain.

(Total for Question 10 is 2 marks)

State one reason why early application of compression after a soft tissue injury helps reduce swelling.

(Total for Question 11 is 1 mark)

A player complains of persistent tingling in their foot after a badly twisted ankle. Describe two immediate concerns this symptom raises and a simple action to take for each concern.

(a)Concern 1 and action(1)

(b)Concern 2 and action(1)

(Total for Question 12 is 2 marks)

Identify two things you should do to avoid making a suspected fracture worse immediately after a collision on the rugby pitch.

(a)Thing 1(1)

(b)Thing 2(1)

(Total for Question 13 is 2 marks)

State one limitation of RICE when used on a severe open wound or compound fracture on the field.

(Total for Question 14 is 1 mark)

Explain, using examples from a soft-tissue sporting injury such as a sprained ankle, why prompt application of the RICE method can improve recovery time and short-term outcome. You should include at least two linked reasons and make a short judgement about how RICE interacts with later professional treatment.

(Total for Question 15 is 6 marks)

Mark scheme · PE.PT12 Treating Sporting Injuries: The RICE Method and Immediate Care

Question 1

B1 A
Answer: A (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Question 2

B1 stop activity and avoid putting weight on the injured limb
Answer: Stop activity and avoid putting weight on the injured limb, keeping the area still.

Question 3

B1 apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the injury for short periods
Answer: Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the injured area for short periods to reduce pain and swelling.

Question 4

B1 use an elastic bandage to apply firm but comfortable pressure around the injury to limit swelling
Answer: Apply an elastic bandage or wrap to provide firm but comfortable pressure around the wrist to limit swelling.

Question 5

B1 raise the injured limb above heart level when possible to reduce swelling
Answer: Raise the injured limb above heart level where possible to help reduce swelling.

Question 6

(a) B1 prevents further tissue damage and reduces blood flow to the area
(a) Answer: To prevent further damage and reduce stress and blood flow to the injured tissues.
(b) B1 reduces pain and causes vasoconstriction which limits swelling
(b) Answer: To reduce pain and cause vasoconstriction that limits swelling.
(c) B1 applies pressure to reduce fluid build-up and swelling
(c) Answer: To apply pressure that reduces fluid accumulation and swelling.
(d) B1 uses gravity to help venous return and reduce swelling
(d) Answer: To use gravity to help venous drainage and reduce swelling.

Question 7

B1 stop play and ensure scene is safe, checking no further danger to casualty or others
B1 check the casualty for serious signs and ask what happened and where pain is
B1 rest the injured limb, apply ice wrapped in cloth, use compression if available and elevate the limb
Answer: Stop play and make the area safe, check the casualty for danger and ask where it hurts; rest the injured ankle and prevent weight bearing; apply ice wrapped in a cloth, use compression if available, and elevate the limb when possible.

Question 8

B1 check responsiveness and call for emergency help if unresponsive
Answer: Check responsiveness and call for emergency help if the player is unresponsive.

Question 9

(a) B1 immobilise the area and support the arm in a sling to avoid movement
(a) Answer: Immobilise and support the injured arm in a sling to avoid movement of the collarbone.
(b) B1 monitor breathing and circulation and call for medical help if signs of shock or worsening condition
(b) Answer: Monitor breathing and circulation and call for medical help if there are signs of shock or deterioration.

Question 10

B1 direct ice can cause skin damage/frostbite or further tissue injury
B1 use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth and apply for short periods with breaks
Answer: Direct ice can cause skin damage or frostbite; use a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth and apply it for short periods with breaks to reduce swelling safely.

Question 11

B1 it limits space for fluid to accumulate, reducing oedema
Answer: It limits the space available for fluid to accumulate, reducing oedema.

Question 12

(a) B1 possible nerve injury, so immobilise and seek medical assessment
(a) Answer: Possible nerve injury, so immobilise the limb and arrange medical assessment.
(b) B1 possible circulation compromise, so check pulses and capillary refill and call for help if reduced
(b) Answer: Possible circulation compromise, so check distal pulses and capillary refill and call for help if circulation seems reduced.

Question 13

(a) B1 do not move the injured limb unnecessarily
(a) Answer: Do not move the injured limb unnecessarily.
(b) B1 immobilise the area and call for qualified medical help
(b) Answer: Immobilise the area in the position found and call for qualified medical help.

Question 14

B1 RICE is not suitable because it does not treat bleeding or protect exposed bone, and professional emergency care is needed
Answer: RICE is not suitable because it does not control heavy bleeding or manage exposed bone; emergency professional care is required.

Question 15

Level 3 (5-6): A clear explanation that links at least two effects of prompt RICE application to improved recovery, uses a named example such as a sprained ankle, and includes a supported judgement about how RICE aids or does not replace later professional treatment.
Level 2 (3-4): A reasonable explanation that describes one or two ways RICE reduces swelling or pain with some application to a sprain, and a limited judgement about later care.
Level 1 (1-2): One or two simple points about RICE reducing swelling or pain with little or no application to a sporting example and no clear judgement.
Level 0 (0): No relevant content.
Indicative content:
- Prompt rest prevents further tearing or weight-bearing that would increase damage to ligaments in a sprained ankle, reducing the initial severity of injury.
- Ice causes local vasoconstriction and reduces metabolic demand in the tissue, limiting immediate bleeding and fluid leakage that would increase swelling and pain, which helps maintain range of motion sooner.
- Compression limits the space for swelling, reducing oedema and reducing pressure on pain receptors and structures, which can lower pain and allow earlier gentle mobilisation.
- Elevation uses gravity to assist venous and lymphatic drainage, reducing fluid accumulation and helping control inflammation in the first 48 hours.
- Combining these effects reduces early inflammation and pain, which can prevent secondary complications such as excessive scar tissue or prolonged loss of function, aiding quicker progress to rehabilitation.
- A balanced judgement may note that RICE helps create better conditions for later professional assessment and physiotherapy, but does not replace imaging or specialist treatment when structural damage is severe.

Treating Sporting Injuries: The RICE Method and Immediate Care - Worksheets, Questions and Revision