Head Injury Emergency

/ English, Falls, Head & Spinal Injuries / By

How to Assess and Act

Understanding the Urgency: Head injuries can range from a minor bump to a life-threatening brain injury. The most critical step is knowing how to assess the situation. The primary goal is to recognize the signs of a serious injury, prevent further damage, and get professional help immediately.

Immediate First Aid: The “Assess, Support, and Cool” Rule

The first few minutes are critical. Your primary goal is to check for signs of a serious injury.

  1. Assess the Situation: Look for Warning Signs
    • Check for consciousness: Is the person awake and responsive?
    • Look for a change in behavior: Does the person seem confused, disoriented, or sleepy? Are they having trouble remembering the incident?
    • Check for other symptoms: Is the person vomiting, having a severe headache, or slurring their speech?
    • Note the size of the pupils: Are the pupils (the black center of the eye) of different sizes?
  2. Support the Person
    • If the person is conscious, have them sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
    • If you suspect a serious neck or spinal injury, do not move the person. Wait for a medical professional to arrive.
    • Help them remain calm and still. Reassure them that help is on the way.
  3. Apply a Cold Compress
    • For a simple bump or bruise, apply a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the injured area. This can help reduce swelling and pain.
    • Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

Critical “Do Nots” in a Head Injury Emergency:

  • DO NOT leave the person alone. They need to be monitored for at least 24 hours for signs of a serious injury.
  • DO NOT move the person’s head or neck if you suspect a spinal injury.
  • DO NOT give them any painkillers or medication unless a doctor has advised it, as this can mask symptoms of a serious injury.
  • DO NOT allow the person to go to sleep.

When to Call Emergency Care IMMEDIATELY:

After performing the initial first aid, call for professional medical help if:

  • The person becomes unconscious, even for a few seconds.
  • They have a severe headache that gets worse.
  • They are confused, dizzy, or disoriented.
  • There is bleeding from the nose or ears.
  • They have trouble walking or speaking.
  • They vomit more than once.
  • Their pupils are of different sizes.
  • The person is a baby or infant.

Remember: Head injuries require serious attention. If you notice any of the above warning signs, it is a medical emergency. 

In case of a medical emergency please call 108 immediately for an ambulance.

About the Veer App

In an emergency, every second counts. The Veer App is designed to help you act quickly. Get instant first aid guidance and connect with emergency medical services with a single click. Click here to use the Veer App instantly.

You can also read this article in: Kannada | Hindi

Other related articles: Elderly Person Fall | Musculoskeletal Injuries | Dislocated Joint