First aid - Head trauma

Most head trauma involves injuries that are minor and don't require hospitalization. However, call for emergency medical assistance if any of the following signs are apparent:

• Severe head or facial bleeding
• Bleeding from the nose or ears
• Severe headache
• Change in level of consciousness for more than a few seconds
• Black-and-blue discoloration below the eyes or behind the ears
• Cessation of breathing
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Weakness or an inability to use an arm or leg
• Unequal pupil size
• Repeated vomiting
• Slurred speech
• Seizures

If severe head trauma occurs:

• Keep the person still. Until medical help arrives, keep the injured person lying down and quiet in a darkened room, with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the person unless necessary and avoid moving the person's neck.
• Stop any bleeding. Apply firm pressure to the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. But don't apply direct pressure to the wound if you suspect a skull fracture.
• Watch for changes in breathing and alertness. If the person shows no signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement), begin CPR.