All head injuries are potentially serious and require medical attention.

What are they?

Head injuries may produce concussion - a period of unconsciousness followed by complete recovery.

Other head injuries may produce compression of the brain, which is life threatening. A head wound can indicate deeper damage, such as a skull fracture.

Skull fracture

Recognition

• Wound or bruise to head
• Soft area on scalp
• Impaired consciousness
• Leakage of clear fluid from nose/ear

Treatment

• Go to the nearest hospital.
• Control any bleeding from the head
• If there is discharge from an ear, cover ear with a sterile dressing but don't plug it

Cerebral compression

Recognition

• Confusion
• Headache
• Heavy, slow breathing
• Asymmetrical pupils
• High temperature, flushed face

Treatment

• Go to the nearest hospital.
• If the casualty is conscious, support them in a comfortable position

Concussion
Recognition

• Loss of consciousness
• Dizziness/nausea on recovery
• Loss of memory
• Headache
• Pale face

Treatment

• Sit casualty down quietly
• Treat bruise or wound with cold compress
• Watch casualty and if they do not return to normal within a few minutes, seek medical advice