General Considerations

The victim with a head injury (or suspected head injury) should be continually monitored for the development of conditions which may require the performance of the necessary basic lifesaving measures, therefore be prepared to:

• Be prepared to perform the basic lifesaving measures.
• Treat as a suspected neck/spinal injury until proven otherwise [see: Spinal Injuries].
• Place a dressing over the wounded area — DO NOT attempt to clean the wound.
• Keep the victim warm.
• DO NOT attempt to remove a protruding object from the head.
• DO NOT give the victim anything to eat or drink.
• Seek medical aid.

Care of the Unconscious Victim

If a victim is unconscious as the result of a head injury-He may lose his sensitivity to pain or ability to cough up blood or mucus that may be plugging his airway. An unconscious victim must be evaluated for breathing difficulties, uncontrollable bleeding, and spinal injury.

Breathing

The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen. A bluish (or in an individual with dark skin will be grayish) color of skin around the lips and nail beds indicates that the victim is not receiving enough air (oxygen).

Immediate action must be taken to clear the airway, to position the victim on his side, or to give artificial respiration. Be prepared to give artificial respiration if breathing should stop. [see: Restore Breathing]

Bleeding

Bleeding from a head injury usually comes from blood vessels within the scalp. Bleeding can also develop inside the skull or within the brain. In most instances bleeding from the head can be controlled by proper application of the field first aid dressing.

WARNING! DO NOT attempt to put unnecessary pressure on the wound or attempt to push any brain matter back into the head (skull). DO NOT apply a pressure dressing.