​​Head and spinal injuries can occur during high-impact sports, sudden deceleration incidents (e.g. car accidents), or falls from height. These injuries may involve direct or indirect trauma to the head or back and can be life-threatening if not properly managed.

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Types of Head Injuries

Concussion

• The brain is shaken inside the skull.

• Usually results in a brief or partial loss of consciousness.

 

Compression: caused by internal pressure on the brain due to swelling, bleeding, or a blood clot.

 

Skull Fracture

• A break or crack in the skull bone.

• Requires significant force to occur.

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Recognition Signs

Concussion

• Brief or partial unconsciousness.

• Dizziness upon regaining consciousness.

• Memory loss surrounding the event.

• Mild, generalised headache.

 

Compression

• Increasing headache intensity.

• Slow, noisy breathing; strong and slow pulse.

• Unequal or dilated pupils.

• Facial or body weakness/paralysis on one side.

• Flushed face and irritability.

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Skull Fracture

• Visible wound or bruise on the head.

• Decreasing level of consciousness.

• Clear fluid (cerebrospinal fluid) or watery blood from the nose or ears.

• Bleeding in the whites of the eyes.

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Actions to Take

• Call the ambulance immediately for assistance!

⚠️This is an emergency.

• Perform the Primary Survey:

  • If unresponsive and not breathing, begin CPR and apply an AED (refer to Unit 1).

  • If breathing normally, place in the recovery position to maintain an open airway. (refer to Unit 1)

 ⚠️ Do not move the casualty if a neck or spinal injury is suspected.

• If conscious, place in a comfortable position.

• Control any visible external !bleeding.

• If fluid or blood is draining from the nose or ear, position the casualty so that the affected side is lower than the unaffected side.

• Monitor and record vital signs and consciousness level every 5 minutes.