Head injuries and concussion
1
Sit them down.Hold something cold against the injury, such as an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, to help reduce swelling.
2
Treat any wound.Press on it with a dressing.
3
Keep checking them.Watch how alert and responsive they are, and look for the warning signs below.
4
Stop the activity.If it happened during sport or exercise, they shouldn't go back until a healthcare professional says they can.
Call 999 if they
- Were knocked out and haven't woken up, or can't stay awake
- Have a seizure
- Fell from more than 1 metre or 5 stairs, or hit their head at high speed
- Have problems with their vision or hearing
- Have clear fluid or blood coming from their ears or nose, or bruising behind the ears
- Have new numbness or weakness, or problems walking, balancing, understanding or speaking
- Have a black eye, but didn't hit their eye
- Have something stuck in the wound, or a dent in the skull
If they're over 65, take blood-thinning medicine, or have been drinking, get them medical advice.
Concussion
Suspect concussion if someone has trouble thinking or remembering; a headache, dizziness, changes in their vision, feeling or being sick, or sensitivity to light or noise; or changes in mood or behaviour. Take them out of the activity and get them checked by a healthcare professional.
Afterwards
An adult should stay with them for at least the first 24 hours.