First Aid International

Head Injuries

Head Injuries

  1. Concussion
  2. Cerebral compression
  3. Skull fracture

Concussion

Concussion is a temporary impairment of brain function, usually without permanent damage.

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Brief period of unconsciousness
  2. Blurred vision, seeing stars
  3. Headache, vomiting
  4. Dizziness
  5. Lack of co-ordination
  6. Short term memory loss

Treatment

  1. Assess the conscious state
  2. If unconscious place them in a lateral position
  3. If conscious continue to observe the casualty, noting any change.
  4. A doctor should rule out the possibility of other associated injuries.

NOTE: Anyone who has been knocked unconscious playing sport, should not play on until they have seen a doctor.

Cerebral Compression

This is a condition of increased pressure inside the skull that compresses the brain tissue and disrupts brain function. Causes include:

  • Direct violence to the head
  • Skull fracture
  • Bleeding/bruising inside the skull
  • Tumors
  • Infections of the brain (meningitis)

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Altered conscious state
  2. Noisy/Irregular breathing
  3. Weakness on one side of the body
  4. Unequal pupils
  5. Flushed/red face
  6. Aggressive/agitated behaviour

Treatment

  1. Call ambulance immediately (even if the casualty is conscious)
  2. Unconscious casualty - lateral position, observe ABC continually
  3. Conscious casualty - instruct the casualty not to move in case of spinal injury
  4. Monitor vital signs, and care for other injuries

Skull Fracture

A break in the continuity of the skull bone.

Signs and Symptoms

  1. Bruising or lacerations
  2. Unequal pupils
  3. Bloodshot or black eyes
  4. Blood or fluid oozing from the ear or nose
  5. Altered conscious state

Treatment

  1. Call ambulance (even if they are conscious)
  2. If unconscious - lateral position and observe ABC continually
  3. If conscious - support the casualty in a half sitting position and continually monitor ABC.
  4. If blood or a semi-clear fluid is discharging from an ear, place the casualty in the lateral position to allow the fluid to drain from the ear. Cover the affected ear but do not plug the ear canal. Monitor and record the vital signs.

Contact First Aid International - 1300 36 56 75

Brisbane 07 3513 3255 - Sydney 02 9204 7777, Sydney Fax 02 9806 9789 - Melbourne 03 9018 9673 - Perth 08 6363 5303 Gold Coast 07 5630 1148

Head Office Fax: 07 3352 3631
Head Office Postal: PO Box 275 Kelvin Grove QLD 4059
Head Office Email: headoffice@firstaidinternational.com.au

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