1 Treat visible wounds
3Monitor victim
2Assess victim
Head injury
ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK • HEAD INJURY
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Although a head injury sometimes leaves no visible wound, there may be obvious bruising or bleeding at the site. The victim may have a headache. The aims of first-aid treatment are to control bleeding, dress the wound, and seek medical help. Even apparently minor head injuries should always be seen by a doctor.
TREATING A HEAD INJURY
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Bleeding or bruising at the site of the wound
• Depression in the skull
• Dizziness or nausea
• Headache and memory loss
1 Treat visible wounds
• If there is a scalp wound, replace any skin flaps.
• Press a clean pad firmly over the wound to control the blood flow.
• Maintain the pressure for at least 10 minutes until the blood flow has been controlled.
• Secure a bandage around the victim’ s head to hold the pad in position.
Lie victim down in case of shock
3Monitor victim
• Monitor the victim’ s breathing( p. 68 for an adult, p. 71 for a child or baby), pulse( p. 68 for an adult, p. 70 for a child or baby), and level of consciousness( p. 12) every 10 minutes until help arrives.
Use a pillow to support her head and shoulders
2Assess victim
• Check that the victim is fully conscious by asking simple, direct questions in a clear voice.
• If she answers your questions, lay her down in a comfortable position, then arrange for transport to the hospital.
• If the victim does not respond, ask someone to dial 911 or call EMS.
• If you need to leave an unconscious victim, place her in the recovery position first( pp. 14 – 15) unless you suspect a spinal injury.
! Important
• Use disposable gloves and / or wash your hands well when dealing with body fluids.
• If the victim becomes unconscious, open her airway, check her breathing, and be prepared
to begin resuscitation( pp. 12 – 20).
Dial 911 or call EMS if
• The victim is unconscious, appears confused, or her condition is deteriorating.
• There is a depression or soft patch in her skull, or blood or watery fluid is leaking from
her ears or nose; these indicate a skull fracture.