|
|
|
|
|
DISCLAIMER:
The information contained in this document has been compiled from sources believed to be reliable at the time and is presented here as a study aid and for general information use only. This information is not intended to replace or supercede the information or procedures outlined in your first aid textbook, other officially issued study materials or government published acts or legislative documents.
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publication, the authors are not responsible for any loss, liability, damage or injury that may be suffered or incurred by any person in connection with the information contained on this site, or by anyone who receives first aid treatment from a reader or user of this information. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
First aid for Head injury & Skull fracture
1. Begin ESM, do a scene survey. When you recognize it may be a head injury tell the casualty not to move and get medical help. Steady and support the head.
2. Assess responsiveness and do a primary survey. If there is no breathing open the airway using the jaw-thrust without head-tilt and give AR if needed.
3. If blood or fluid is coming from the ear canal, secure a sterile dressing lightly over the ear, making sure fluids can drain.
4. Protect areas of depression, lumps, bumps, or scalp wounds where an underlying skull fracture is suspected. Avoid pressure on the fracture side.
5. Warn the casualty not to blow their nose I there is blood or fluid coming fro it. Wipe any external blood to prevent it from entering the mouth.
6. Give care until medical help arrives.
Concussion - a temporary disturbance of brain function caused by a blow to the head or neck.
Signs & symptoms
Partial or complete loss of consciousness, usually of short duration
Shallow breathing
Nausea and vomiting when regaining consciousness
Casualty says she is ‘seeing stars’
Loss of memory of events immediately preceding and following the injury
Compression – excess pressure on some part of the brain causes by a buildup of fluids inside the skull.
Signs & symptoms
Decreasing level of consciousness
Unconsciousness from the time of injury, may be deeply unconscious
Nausea and vomiting
Unequal size of pupils
One or both pupils don’t respond to light
First aid for a head or spinal injury
Goal is to prevent further injury on the spinal cord.
1. Begin ESM, scene survey. Tell casualty not to move when you suspect it is this type of injury.
2. Steady and support he casualty’s head and neck and show a bystander how do to this and show another how to support the feet. Keep both fully supported until medical help arrives.
3. Assess responsiveness and then do a primary survey. If the casualty is unresponsive, check for breathing before opening the airway. No breathing, then open the airway using the jaw-thrust without head-tilt and check for breathing again.
If breathing hold the airway open with the jaw-thrust
If there is still not breathing give AR, check circulation look for signs of sever bleeding and shock.
4. Do a secondary survey but do not move the casualty or poke and probe any possible spinal injury.
5. Decide if you need to move casualty. It is best to leave casualty as is until medical help arrive.
6. Continue to give care until help arrives. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
