Final answer:
The application of cold as part of the RICE first aid measures following an inflammatory response due to injury can help reduce swelling, decrease pain and inflammation, and promote healing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The application of cold is recommended as part of the RICE first aid measures immediately following an inflammatory response due to injury because cold can:
- cause local vasoconstriction to reduce local edema. Cold helps to constrict the blood vessels in the injured area, reducing blood flow and decreasing swelling.
- improve circulation in the area, removing chemical mediators. Cold helps to decrease blood flow to the area, which can help remove inflammatory chemical mediators and reduce pain.
- draw more phagocytic cells to the area to remove debris. Cold can increase blood flow to the area, bringing more immune cells called phagocytes to remove cellular debris and promote healing.
Overall, applying cold as part of the RICE first aid measures can help reduce swelling, decrease pain and inflammation, and promote healing.