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;

  

• 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.

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