First aid head injuries

 

The human skull is designed to withstand an occasional knock with no lasting ill effects, but any head injury that results in a concussion, fractured skull, brain bleeding or any other brain injury can be very serious. In addition, there is usually some degree of brain swelling following any head injury. Because babies and young children still have relatively flexible skulls, they can tolerate this swelling better than older children and adults.

 

SIGNS OF A HEAD INJURY
 

* Common signs of a mild head injury (concussion) include:
-Loss of consciousness, often only for a few seconds
- Headache
- Double vision
- Temporary confusion
- Lump or cut on the head
- Drowsiness for an hour or two

  In addition, the child will be able to move injured body parts and

  answer simple questions, such as his name.

 

* Signs of a more severe head injury include:
- Loss of consciousness for more than a few seconds
- Discharge from the nose or ears, which may be clear or bloody
- Marked drowsiness or loss of consciousness
- Vomiting without nausea
- Extensive bleeding from a head wound
- Misshapen skull
- Slow pulse

 

HOW TO GIVE FIRST AID FOR HEAD INJURIES
 

* For a mild injury or concussion:
- Have the child lie down and remain quiet.
- Clean minor cuts, gently apply pressure with a sterile bandage to stop bleeding, and then bandage.
- Apply a cold compress to a lump that is not bleeding.
- Give acetaminophen in an age-appropriate dose for headache.
- Wake the child every half hour if he goes to sleep.
- Observe the child's behavior for the next day or two, and seek medical advice about any unusual changes, including drowsiness, stumbling, numbness or altered mental state.
- Monitor the size of any lump from a head blow, and seek medical attention if it enlarges rapidly.

 

* For a fractured skull or other serious head injury:
- Call for emergency help.
- Keep the child warm to prevent shock.
- DO NOT move the child if you suspect that the spine or skull has been fractured.
- Check for breathing and a pulse; start CPR if they are absent

- If the child is breathing, place him in a recovery position, with the face to one side, the arm and leg on that side bent, and the opposite arm and leg straight. This position facilitates breathing, especially if the child is unconscious.
- Continue to monitor breathing and pulse until help arrives.

 

IMPORTANT
- Seek medical attention for any serious head injury.
- If you suspect a neck or back injury, DO NOT move the child unless it is absolutely necessary to remove him from life-threatening danger. Make sure that the spine and neck are properly supported during any move to prevent any twisting that may sever the spinal cord.
- If the child is wearing a protective helmet or other head gear, DO NOT remove it unless it is interfering with breathing or there is severe bleeding