Video Transcript

Head injuries may cause a loss of consciousness spinal injury bleeding and damage to the brain eyes ears and teeth. When conducting an assessment on a conscious casualty it is important to determine that there is no cervical or spinal damage.

If there is no spinal injury found the casualty should be placed lying down at rest. Check the neck eyes and ears carefully for any bleeding and place them with injured side facing down to avoid the draining process.

If they are unconscious manually support the head and the neck and carefully place them on their Side. Be careful when turning them over. If the head injury is a result of trauma then there is a good possibility that there is a spinal damage.

Continue with manual traction to the Head until the ambulance arrives.If there is blood or fluid coming out of the ear make sure this is turned towards the ground so the fluid can drain.

First Response Treatment for Head Injuries in the Workplace: A First Aid Trainer’s Guide

Head injuries in the workplace—ranging from minor bumps to severe trauma like concussions or skull fractures—demand swift, informed action to prevent complications. Whether caused by falls, struck-by objects, or accidents with machinery, improper handling can worsen outcomes. As a first aid trainer, I emphasize the importance of preparedness, clear protocols, and calm intervention. Here’s how to manage head injuries effectively.

1. Assess the Scene and Ensure Safety

• Secure the area: Prevent further harm by addressing hazards (e.g., falling debris, slippery floors).
• Avoid moving the injured person unless they’re in immediate danger (e.g., fire, chemical exposure). Sudden movement risks aggravating spinal or brain injuries.
• Don PPE (gloves, mask) if there’s blood or bodily fluids.

2. Recognize Signs and Symptoms

Mild to Moderate Injuries (e.g., scalp wounds, minor concussions):

• Visible cuts, bruising, or swelling.
• Headache, dizziness, nausea, or temporary confusion.
• Brief loss of consciousness (less than 30 seconds).

Severe Injuries (e.g., skull fractures, brain bleeding):

• Prolonged unconsciousness, confusion, or agitation.
• Clear fluid or blood draining from the nose/ears (sign of skull fracture).
• Unequal pupil size, slurred speech, seizures, or weakness in limbs.
• Worsening headache or vomiting.

3. Immediate First Aid Steps

A. Stabilize the Head and Neck

• If spinal injury is suspected (e.g., fall from height, impact to the head/neck), manually stabilize the head in a neutral position. Use the jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway if breathing is compromised, avoiding head-tilt chin-lift.

B. Control Bleeding

• Apply gentle pressure to scalp wounds with a sterile gauze or clean cloth. Do not press directly on a suspected skull fracture (e.g., deformed skull, visible depression).
• If an object is embedded in the skull, do not remove it—stabilize with bulky dressings around the object.

C. Monitor Responsiveness

• Use the AVPU scale to assess consciousness:
  • Alert: Is the person aware of their surroundings?
  • Verbal: Do they respond to questions?
  • Pain: Do they react to stimuli (e.g., gentle shoulder squeeze)?
  • Unresponsive: Activate emergency services immediately.

D. Apply Cold Packs

• For swelling without open wounds, wrap ice packs in a cloth and apply to the injury for 10–15 minutes. Avoid direct skin contact.

E. Keep the Person Still and Calm

• Discourage standing, walking, or resuming work. Even mild head injuries can mask concussions.

4. When to Seek Emergency Care

Call 000 or onsite medical teams if the person exhibits:

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly).
• Seizures, confusion, or repetitive questioning.
• Fluid from ears/nose, vision changes, or worsening symptoms.

5. Post-Injury Monitoring

• If symptoms are mild and the person refuses emergency care, do not leave them alone. Monitor for 24–48 hours for delayed signs like drowsiness, imbalance, or personality changes.
• Document the incident: Note the cause, symptoms, and actions taken. Share details with healthcare providers.

6. Prevention Strategies

• Enforce PPE use: Hard hats in construction zones, slip-resistant footwear, and machine guards.
• Maintain clean workspaces: Clear walkways of clutter, secure loose cables, and use warning signs for wet floors.
• Train employees: Regular drills on ladder safety, fall prevention, and hazard reporting.
• Implement a concussion protocol: Require medical clearance before returning to work after a head injury.

Why Timely Action Matters

Undiagnosed concussions or bleeding in the brain (e.g., subdural hematoma) can lead to long-term disability or death. Early intervention minimizes complications and accelerates recovery.

Final Thoughts

Head injuries are unpredictable, but a prepared workplace can mitigate risks. Equip your team with first aid training, accessible supplies (e.g., trauma kits, cold packs), and clear emergency protocols. Remember: When in doubt, prioritize professional medical evaluation.

By fostering a culture of safety and vigilance, employers protect both their workforce and organizational resilience.

Note: This guide aligns with OSHA standards and current first aid guidelines. Regular refresher courses are recommended to keep skills sharp.