Video: How to Care for a Bruise

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A bruise is formed by the rupturing of blood vessels and can be treated with ice. Take care of a bruise with tips from a firefighter in this free first aid video.

Video Transcript

You know throughout everyday life, we are all going to encounter some type of minor medical injury. Hi I'm Captain Joe Bruni. And what we are going to discuss is the common everyday bruise. Common bruises occur when some type of injury occurs underneath the skin. Basically there will be purplish or black and bluing occur which is a rupturing of the blood vessels and blood spreading throughout the tissue under the surface layers of the skin. This can be treated by basically taking some type of cold compress or ice pack and applying it directly to the bruise site area. Being careful not to add too much friction or pressure to the area causing pain. Ice enclosed in some type of cloth, like a wash cloth could also be used. Keep in mind only apply a cold compress or ice in only twenty minute intervals at a time. Twenty minutes on, twenty minutes off. After a few days and the pain and swelling have subsided it would be common to add some type of heat compress to the bruising site injury, as this will help break down the damaged blood vessels and help them be absorbed by the body. I'm Captain Joe Bruni, on how to treat the common bruise. Stay safe and we'll see you next time.

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How to Care for a Bruise

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