Helping A Casualty With A Head Trauma

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Overview – What Is Head Trauma?

  • Head trauma is damage which has a severe impact on the brain or skull.
  • Head injuries can go from minor to serious.
  • Head injury can be either ‘closed’ or ‘penetrating’.
  • Closed injuries occur when the head strikes against a blunt object.
  • These type of injuries result in concussions.
  • Penetrating injuries occurs when an item penetrates the skull and pierces the brain.

What Are The Causes Of Head Trauma?

  • Accidents which occur while on the road.
  • Accidents that occur at home or while at work.
  • Physical attack or a blow against the head.
  • Trauma from falling and hitting your head.
  • Sport-related head trauma.

What Are The Symptoms Of Head Trauma?

  • Losing consciousness (short or long term);
  • Blood loss;
  • Nausea;
  • Liquid discharge from the nose;
  • Loss of vision or hearing;
  • Problems with speech;
  • Heartbeat may be irregular;
  • Convulsions;
    Head injuries can go from minor to serious
    Head injuries can go from minor to serious
  • Paralysis;
  • Blackout;
  • Change in behavior; and
  • Psychological related problems.

Treatment For Head Trauma

For a minor head injury:

  • Apply ice to the injured region to reduce inflammation.
  • The extent of the knock is not connected to the severity of the injury.
  • Monitor the casualty cautiously for signs of bleeding.

For modest to severe injury:

  • Examine the casualty’s breathing pattern.
  • If required do CPR.
  • In case of bleeding, compress the area with a clean cloth.
  • If the cloth becomes soaked, place a fresh cloth over the initial one.
  • Do not get rid of any fragments from the wound.
  • If the casualty is vomiting, move them onto their side and lower the head.
  • To reduce spinal damage – hold the head, collar and body in a single line.
  • Restrain the casualty.
  • If the casualty is unconscious, manage it as if it were a spinal injury.
  • Keep the head in alliance with the spine.
  • Get medical assistance.

Consult With Your Doctor

When the following takes place get medical help-

  • Blood loss;
  • Liquid discharge from the mouth, nose or ears;
  • Nausea;
  • Loss of consciousness;
  • Confusion / Agitation / Irritability;
  • Unclear speech / Seizure;
  • Blurry Vision;
  • Low breathing;
  • Severe headache;
  • Fracture; and
  • Unable to move one or more body parts.

Steps to Avoid 

  • Avoid shaking or moving an individual who has sustained head injuries.
  • Don’t rinse the wound or get rid of debris.
  • If the casualty was wearing a helmet, don’t remove it.
  • Do not drink alcohol directly after a head injury.

Prevention For Head Injuries

  • Do not drink and drive.
  • Apply safe procedures while driving, doing sporting or other activities.
  • Always follow safety procedures.
  • Always administer the activities of your kids.

Related Video On Head Injuries

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