1st Bullsbrook Air Scout Group
HEAD INJURY
A blow to the head may cause an injury to the scalp, skull or brain; sometimes all three areas are damaged simultaneously.
An injury in which the brain is shaken inside the skull is known as concussion. In this condition, the victim may have some loss of memory for events before, and after, the injury.
The victim will be faint, giddy, nauseated and complain of blurred vision. A severe headache may develop after the initial injury and the victim may become drowsy or irritable.
When in doubt as to the severity of any blow to the head, always seek medical advice promptly.
What to do:
An injury in which the brain is shaken inside the skull is known as concussion. In this condition, the victim may have some loss of memory for events before, and after, the injury.
The victim will be faint, giddy, nauseated and complain of blurred vision. A severe headache may develop after the initial injury and the victim may become drowsy or irritable.
When in doubt as to the severity of any blow to the head, always seek medical advice promptly.
What to do:
If the scalp is bleeding, apply gentle pressure around the wound. Avoid direct pressure because of the risk of injury to the brain or skull underneath the wound.
If a clear or bloodstained fluid is seen leaking from the ear or nose, allow it to drain freely on to a clean pad. An unconscious person with this condition should be turned on to one side, lying with the affected side downwards.
If the victim has any loss of consciousness, even if only for a minute, always seek medical advice promptly.
Reassure the victim who has loss of memory of events around the time of injury. The victim may ask, "Where am I?" or "What happened?" and may need frequent reassurance.
Keep the victim at rest and make frequent checks of pulse; breathing; colour, size and reaction of pupils; spoken response; mental state, etc. until full recovery has occurred. Note any twitching, drowsiness or severe headache. If any deterioration occurs, seek medical advice without delay.
If the victim is alert and fully conscious, continue to observe the person for several hours in case complications develop at a later stage.
A return of unconsciousness, after apparent recovery, is a serious sign which requires urgent medical attention.
If a clear or bloodstained fluid is seen leaking from the ear or nose, allow it to drain freely on to a clean pad. An unconscious person with this condition should be turned on to one side, lying with the affected side downwards.
If the victim has any loss of consciousness, even if only for a minute, always seek medical advice promptly.
Reassure the victim who has loss of memory of events around the time of injury. The victim may ask, "Where am I?" or "What happened?" and may need frequent reassurance.
Keep the victim at rest and make frequent checks of pulse; breathing; colour, size and reaction of pupils; spoken response; mental state, etc. until full recovery has occurred. Note any twitching, drowsiness or severe headache. If any deterioration occurs, seek medical advice without delay.
If the victim is alert and fully conscious, continue to observe the person for several hours in case complications develop at a later stage.
A return of unconsciousness, after apparent recovery, is a serious sign which requires urgent medical attention.
Remember. When in doubt seek medical advice