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Head trauma: First aid
Treatment
Follow these first-aid steps while waiting for emergency medical help to arrive:- Keep the person still. The injured person should lie down with the head and shoulders slightly elevated. Don't move the person unless necessary. Avoid moving the person's neck. If the person is wearing a helmet, don't remove it.
- 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 — no breathing, coughing or movement — begin CPR.
Someone with head trauma can be driven to the emergency department if the person can walk and is alert but has:
- Black-and-blue marks below the eyes or behind the ears.
- Confusion.
