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Head injury
Alternative Names: Concussion - first aid; Brain injury; Head trauma First Aid: Get medical help immediately if the person: Becomes unusually drowsy Develops a severe headache or stiff neck Vomits more than once Loses consciousness (even if brief) Behaves abnormally Text Continues Below For a moderate to severe head injury, take the following steps: Call 911. Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR. If the person's breathing and heart rate are normal but the person is unconscious, treat as if there is a spinal injury. Stabilize the head and neck by placing your hands on both sides of the person's head, keeping the head in line with the spine and preventing movement. Wait for medical help. Stop any bleeding by firmly pressing a clean cloth on the wound. If the injury is serious, be careful not to move the person's head. If blood soaks through the cloth, DO NOT remove it. Place another cloth over the first one. If you suspect a skull fracture, DO NOT apply direct pressure to the bleeding site, and DO NOT remove any debris from the wound. Cover the wound with sterile gauze dressing. If the person is vomiting, roll the head, neck, and body as one unit to prevent choking. This still protects the spine, which you must always assume is injured in the case of a head injury. (Children often vomit ONCE after a head injury. This may not be a problem, but call a doctor for further guidance.) Apply ice packs to swollen areas. Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>