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Head injuries
What to look for
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Loss of memory
- Loss of coordination
- Irritability, confusion
- Tingling, numbness and weakness in the limbs
- Bleeding or clear fluid from the nose, ears or into the eyes
- Pupils of unequal size or dilated
- Noisy breathing
- Twitching, seizures
- Unconsciousness.
What to do
If the casualty is unconscious or becomes unconscious, lay them down, placing the injured side downward. A casualty with a head injury may also have a spinal injury, so it is important to support their head and neck during movement.
- Control severe bleeding. Cover any wound with a clean dressing and bandage, with minimal movement of the head and neck.
- Assist the casualty into a comfortable position with head and shoulders raised.
- Immobilise the casualty's neck.
- Treat to minimise shock.
- Seek medical assistance.
Do not leave the casualty unattended.
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