Serving Florida

Erik Helms

Program Director

1-877-282-2071

  Injures to the Brain and Skull

Injuries to the brain and skull can be closed or open. A typical closed Injury is a concussion where the brain is bruised from banging against the Inside of the skull. An open Injury, such as caused by a bullet, can cause long-lasting functional Impairment or death. Injuries to the brain and skull are a worldwide problem In the United States, firearms top injuries from motor vehicle crashes as the largest single cause of death associated with brain Injury

Signs and Symptoms
First Aid

Unresponsive

Confusion or sleepiness

Clear or bloody fluid draining from the nose, mouth, or ears.

External bleeding/protruding brain matter

Facial bruise, swelling, or scalp wound

Nausea or vomiting

Seisures

Severe headache or stiff neck

Inability to move one or more limbs

Changes in pupil size or shape

Inability to hear, see, taste, or smell

Abnormal behavior

Assess, Alert, and Attend the ABCs:

• If Wound is bleeding, place an absorbent pad directly over the area. If the pad becomes soaked with blood, apply another one over it. DO OT remove blood -soaked dressings.
  
• If you suspect a spinal injury, manually stabilize the head and neck.
  
• DO NOT move the victim unless it is nessary.
  
• DO NOT wash a head wound that is deep or has major bleeding.
  
• DO NOT remove any object sticking out of a wound.
  
• DO NOT remove a helmet if you suspect a serious head injury.
  
• DO NOT pick up a child if you suspect a head, neck, or back injury.

Seizures / Convulsions

• Involuntary jerking may occur after a brain or skull injury.
  
• Protect the victim from hitting nearby objects.
  
• DO NOT try to stop the jerking movements in a seizure. Doing so can cause injury to the bones, joints, muscles, and soft tissue.
  
• DO NOT place an object in a seizure victim's mouth. Doing so is dangerous and may cause further injury.

When Caring for Children

If a child begins to play or run immediately after getting a bump on the head, serious Injury ls unlikely However, the child should be seen by a healthcare professional and closely watched for 24 hours after the Incident You should contact the child's doctor lf the child vomits more than once or twice Vomltlng ls more common ln younger children and ls less likely to be an urgent sign of danger than lt ls ln an adult.

When Caring for Older Persons

lnlurles to the brain and skull due to falling are highest among people 65 years and older Flrst afd for older persons with an Injury to the skull or brain ls the same as for any victim.

Prevention

Three practices have been associated with reducing firearm injuries in homes with children and guns: keeping the gun locked, unloaded, and storing ammunition locked in a separate location. Helmets reduce bicycle-related head and facial injuries for people of all ages, in all types of accidents, including those involving motor vehicles. Always use safety equipment during activities that could result in head injury. These include seat belts, bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and hard hats.