Trauma
Head Injury and Concussion
Always suspect a spinal injury with a head injury. Lay the person down, control bleeding without direct pressure on a depressed area, and call 000 for any loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion.
Always suspect a spinal injury with a head injury. Lay the person down, control bleeding without direct pressure on a depressed area, and call 000 for any loss of consciousness, vomiting or confusion.
Concerning signs
- Loss of consciousness — even briefly
- Persistent headache, confusion, drowsiness
- Repeated vomiting
- Unequal pupils or vision changes
- Seizures
- Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears
- Weakness or numbness in any limb
Any of these — call 000.
What to do
- Follow DRSABCD.
- Always suspect a spinal injury. Keep the head and neck still.
- Conscious: lie them down with the head and shoulders slightly raised. Control any bleeding (avoid pressure on a depressed skull area).
- Unconscious but breathing: place in the recovery position, supporting the head and neck.
- Do not give anything to eat or drink.
- Stay with them until paramedics arrive.
Concussion
Anyone who has had loss of consciousness or significant memory loss from a head blow should not return to sport, driving or work until cleared by a doctor. Watch for delayed deterioration over the next 24–48 hours.
Questions & answers
When does a head injury need an ambulance?
Any loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, worsening headache, confusion, seizures, unequal pupils, weakness, or clear fluid from the nose or ears.
Can someone with concussion go to sleep?
They can sleep, but a responsible adult should check them every couple of hours for the first 24 hours and seek help if they cannot be roused or behave abnormally.
When can they return to sport or driving?
Not until cleared by a doctor. A second head knock before the first has healed can cause serious lasting damage.
Related topics
Suspected Spinal Injury
Suspect a spinal injury in any fall from height, road crash, diving incident, or unresponsive trauma patient. Do not move the person unless they are in danger; keep the head and neck steady and call 000.
Recovery Position
The recovery position protects the airway of an unconscious person who is breathing normally by keeping them on their side so the tongue cannot block the throat and fluids can drain.
Seizures and Epilepsy
During a seizure, protect the person from injury, time it, and never restrain them or put anything in their mouth. Afterwards, place them in the recovery position and reassure them.
Electric Shock
Never touch the person until the power is off. Once safe, follow DRSABCD, call 000, treat burns and shock. Even a person who seems fine after electric shock should be assessed at hospital.
Eye Injuries
For something in the eye, wash out with clean water or saline. Never remove an embedded object — cover both eyes and call 000. Chemical splashes need 20 minutes of running water and an ambulance.
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