Head Injuries
It is sometimes difficult to determine the seriousness of a head injury. For such injuries, you should seek immediate medical help for the victim. Until help arrives, keep the victim comfortable and watch for any changes in the person’s overall condition.
Concussions and fractures of the skull are the most common serious head injuries. If the blow to the head has been hard, you should assume that a concussion has occurred. Signs of a concussion include unusual drowsiness, forceful or repeated vomiting, convulsions, clumsiness (especially when walking), a bad headache, or one pupil that is larger than the other. If clear fluid or blood runs from the ear, nose, or throat, it is likely that the injury is more serious than a concussion. Do not move a head-injury victim. Keep the person quiet and warm. Do not give the person any food or water without medical permission Do not leave the victim until medical help arrives.
Fainting
Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness brought on by a reduced supply of blood to the brain. Signs and symptoms of fainting are paleness, sweating, coldness of the skin, dizziness, numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, and sometimes nausea. If such symptoms occur, the victim should lie down to prevent fainting. First aid for fainting includes the following steps:
| Leave the individual lying down. Elevate the feet about 12 inches, if possible. |
| Loosen any tight or binding clothing. |
| Sponge the person’s face with water. |
| Examine the victim to determine whether or not he or she has suffered an injury from falling. |
| If the person fails to revive promptly, seek medical help. |
