ST Johns Ambulance Report

Head Injuries

Head injuries can be one of the most serious and challenging concerns to treat.

Unless you see clearly visible bleeding or open wounds to the head, the brain may have sustained significant life-threatening injuries. These hidden injuries can be the most concerning, as they usually do not appear as serious as they truly are.

The possibility a head injury could result in permanent disability or impairment is real.

Over 700,000 Australians have a brain injury that limits their daily activities and ability, first aid management of a head injury to prevent further damage is vital.

Do not disregard a head injury, even if the casualty appears as normal there is a possibility that complications could develop later. Make sure the casualty seeks medical aid and monitor them closely in the minutes, hours, days and even weeks following. A blow to the head can cause bleeding within the brain, and often the blood cannot drain from within the closed space of the skull. Avoid placing any pressure on the skull, do not block the ears or nose with dressings.

Signs and Symptoms

• Headache, loss of memory, wound to the scalp or face, confusion, nausea

• Loss of memory, changed sensation to commands or touch

• Pupils are not equal in size, or reaction to light, you may have blurred vision

WHAT TO DO:

As always, check for any danger to yourself, or the casualty.

If the patient is unconscious, call triple zero (000) immediately.

If the patient is not breathing, begin CPR.

If the patient is conscious:

Support the head and neck in neutral alignment during movement, avoid twisting movement as they could have a spinal injury. Control bleeding without applying direct pressure to the skull. If blood or fluid comes from the ear, lie the casualty on the injured side if possible and allow the fluid to drain from the ear, onto a sterile dressing. Head injuries, discharge from the ear, are the one case in first aid of ‘better out than in’.

Remember - call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

For the full copy of the fact sheet, visit link

https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/n...

If you are interested in becoming a St John volunteer or, for more information, please email norfolk.island@stjohnnsw.com.au or james.garden@stjohnnsw.com.au