An acute head injury can be life threatening. Prompt treatment and diagnosis can mean life or death for the victim. Head injuries include any kind of head trauma - a fall, laceration, assault or car accident. If the victim begins vomiting, acts confused or is unconscious, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move the victim as there may be a spinal cord injury.
Instructions
1. Assist the victim. If you witness a head injury, immediately help the victim. If they fell or were part of an accident, see if they are conscious. If the patient is unconscious, call 911 and get medical help immediately. If the victim is able to speak to you, ask them questions to see if they are oriented, such as time of day, day of the week, their name and if they know where they are. Do not attempt to move a victim who has fallen as there might be spinal cord trauma, as well.
2. Seek medical attention. Even if the victim says they feel okay, if they seem confused, disoriented, have a laceration or have vomited they need to go to the emergency room.
3. Stay calm. Whether you are the victim of a head injury or are helping the victim, it is best to remain calm. Becoming upset or nervous about what will happen next does not improve the situation.
4. Lay down. If you are the victim, do not attempt to stand up. Head injuries often cause dizziness.
5. Allow the doctor to perform tests. It may seem like over kill to have an MRI for a concussion if you are feeling okay, but sometimes there is internal bleeding or damage. By performing certain diagnostic tests like CAT scans and MRIs, the doctor can see exactly what is going on in your brain.
Tags: head injury, attempt move, attempt move victim, Head injuries, move victim, spinal cord