Head injury - first aid: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services now if the person:

   • Is unresponsive, cannot be awakened, or is becoming increasingly drowsy
   • Is not breathing normally
   • Has a seizure
   • Has repeated vomiting, worsening confusion, or unusual behavior
   • Develops weakness, numbness, poor balance, slurred speech, or unequal pupils
   • Has blood or clear fluid coming from the ears or nose
   • Has an open wound, skull dent, embedded object, or bleeding that will not stop
   • Has severe or worsening headache
   • Was injured in a high-impact crash, fall from height, or similar event
   • Cannot be transported safely

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek prompt same-day medical advice for loss of consciousness that has resolved, memory loss, persistent vomiting or headache, blood-thinner use, a bleeding disorder, or symptoms that are worsening rather than improving.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
   • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
   • has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Routine follow-up is appropriate for symptoms that remain stable but do not gradually improve, or that interfere with sleep, work, school, or normal activity.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Head injury - first aid. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.