Ice bags

GmaPearl BSN RN · Feb 17, 2015

That looks interesting, but expensive.

I have been recycling bread bags from the kitchen for many years. Free!!!

Toss in a few ice cubes for small areas or "TLC needs" or more for larger areas.

Twist and tie a knot.

If it leaks, it was probably past it's therapeutic timeframe anyway.

Zip lock bags concern me a bit, as kids can open them and extract the ice. Would hate to have a kinder choke on an ice cube provided by the nurse. Always aware of potential dangerous and liability situations, aren't we? :)

GmaPearl BSN RN · Feb 17, 2015

Oh, these treasured bread bags also are given to parents as "just in case" bags for vomiters on their way home.

Also, the school assistants use them to scoop up dead birds and dog doots on the playground.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 17, 2015

Way back and once upon a time, I used those plastic bags from a supermarket produce aisle... Sometimes, but not always, they would donate a large roll to the school. This was when I was an athletic trainer. Those bags may be a bit large for your needs though.

"Ziplock" style bags mean the kids can extract the ice... plastic bags (if large enough) might end up being worn as hats.

GmaPearl BSN RN · Feb 17, 2015

Our bread bags are not head sized :)

The knot is tight and the end is trimmed short !

SnowyJ, RN · Feb 17, 2015

I guess with plastic bags there is always something to worry about. A large plastic bag worn as a hat could be a suffocation hazard, Geeeez!!!!

Ziplocs are not optimal because the cheap ones leak. I pretty much have save a lot of $ by using dollar store sponges cut to various sizes. Wet the sponge and put it in the ziploc and freeze. Usually the kids return them and I can switch out the bag,

SnowyJ, RN · Feb 17, 2015

I cut some into little ovals for eyes, and have assorted other sizes. They aren't perfect, but they get the job done.

Massmagic · Feb 17, 2015

I use the sponges as well. At the beginning of the year I have reusable cold paks, but those last me only a few months. Youi can get the sponges pretty cheap at the dollar store. They work well too and last longer.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 17, 2015

Our bread bags are not head sized :)
The knot is tight and the end is trimmed short !

Doesn't mean that they won't try... Kids can be quite inventive, as you know. :wacky:

Some stuff they come up with just leave me :wideyed: at times... and that was back when I was a sub or working as an athletic trainer. I'm sure they've only become more inventive now!

I actually like the idea of using those cheap dollar-store sponges that are simply dampened and frozen. On the athletics side of things, I generally preferred flake ice as it molds to the body pretty well. That much ice does present a pretty good puddle problem if the bags leaked though. "My" athletes were usually smart enough to let the dripping happen outside or in the training room. Usually. Some... :hdvwl:

Farawyn · Feb 17, 2015

Ice maker, plastic bags on a huge roll, I double them up, or kids fill their own bags.

amoLucia · Feb 17, 2015

Bread bags can also make temporary boots for nasty weather.

SnowyJ, RN · Feb 17, 2015

I remember wearing bread bags on my feet so my socks would stay dry in the winter. (With boots.) It also helped the boot slide on easier.

Along with the sponge ice packs I keep a few gel ice packs for more legitimate injuries.