First Aid Training & Community First Aid Classes
Please email all enquiries to stjohn@ninet.nf
Skill Drill
The next Skill Drill will be held on Tuesday 7 August at the St John shed on Grassy Road. Please join us from 630pm for a 7pm training start. New members are always welcome.
Volunteers Needed
Please email your expression of interest to volunteer with this important community organisation to stjohn@ninet.nf
St John Tips: Head Injuries
The head is easily injured because it lacks the padding of other parts of the body. An injury to this part of the body is of particular concern because of the possibility of injury to the skull. The seriousness of injuries to the head, neck and spine cannot be overstated. Once the brain or spinal cord is damaged, the damage may be permanent. The brain and spinal cord do not regenerate after injury - nerve cells are not renewed.
Injuries to the head can be complicated by unconsciousness - a sign there is significant brain injury and risk of further injury. Because the brain is the controlling organ for the whole body, injuries to the head are potentially dangerous and always require medical attention. When a casualty has a serious head injury, the neck or spine may also be injured.
Fractures may occur in the cranium, at the base of the skull, or in the face. The skull may be fractured by a direct force such as a blow to the head or glassing, or indirect force such as a fall from a height and landing heavily on the feet.
Concussion is an altered state of consciousness where the casualty may become unconscious, but this is often momentary. Common causes are motor accidents, falls and sports injuries. The casualty may be dazed, confused and complain of headache and dizziness. The casualty recovers quickly, but there is always the possibility of serious brain injury.
Assessment of head injuries
It is often very difficult to make an accurate assessment of the severity of a head injury. Therefore they should not be disregarded or treated lightly. The cause of the injury is often the best indication of its severity. Strong forces will usually cause severe injuries to the head and spine, such as falling from a bicycle without wearing a helmet, or falling from heights such as scaffolding without wearing appropriate rigging equipment, or motorbike and motor vehicle accidents.
As there is the possibility that complications will develop later, the casualty should always be advised to seek medical aid.
Signs and Symptoms:
- altered responses to commands and touch;
- wounds to the scalp or face;
- blood or clear fluid escaping from nose or ears;
- pupils becoming unequal in size;
- blurred vision;
- loss of memory.
Management of head injuries:
1. Monitor breathing and pulse:
- if casualty is unconscious, follow DRSABCD.
- keep casualty's airway open with fingers (if face is badly injured).
2. Support head and neck:
- support casualty's head and neck during movement in case the spine is injured.
3. Control bleeding:
- place sterile pad or dressing over the wound.
- apply direct pressure to the wound, unless you suspect a skull fracture.
- if blood or fluid comes from ear, secure a sterile dressing lightly in place and allow to drain.
4. Lie casualty down:
- place casualty in a comfortable position with head and shoulders slightly raised.
- be prepared to turn casualty onto their side if they vomit.
- clear the airway quickly after vomiting.
5. Call 000 for an ambulance.
Important:
Wear gloves, if possible, to protect against infection.
If the bleeding does not stop, without disturbing dressing, reposition pad and reapply pressure to control bleeding.
Take extreme care to maintain spine alignment, as twisting, compressing or bending an injured spine may worsen any damage.
Please 'contact us' for more information.