First Aid For Head Trauma

The brain is cushioned by spinal fluid and encased in the skull. Direct trauma to the head may cause many types of injuries, including a fractured skull, bleeding of the scalp, or a bruise of the brain. Head trauma, although usually minor, can be a serious emergency. If any head injury causes change in alertness, progressive signs of concussion or other causes for concern, seek medical help.

Signs & Symptoms:
- Headache, dizziness
- Bleeding or bump on head
- Nausea, vomiting
- Fluid seeping from ear and nose
- Sleepiness
- Inappropriate behavior
- Unconscious or unresponsive for seconds to hours
- Unequal pupils (black spot in eye)
- Seizures

Tips:
- Do not move a victim's head if a spinal injury is suspected.
- Do not give anything by mouth.
- Do not try to keep victim awake.
- Call for medical help.
- If absolutely necessary to turn victim, turn as unit. Use 2 rescuers and the Log-Roll Technique.
- If absolutely necessary to move victim, use Clothes-Drag Technique.
- Immobilize neck and head, if spine or neck injury is suspected.
- Monitor for responsiveness and breathing.
- Control Bleeding, if present.
- Watch for signs of serious head trauma such as increasing sleepiness, projectile vomiting, Seizures, and loss of body function control.
- Keep victim calm and still until help arrives.