How to Treat Head Trauma

According to the Mayo Clinic, most head traumas do not require hospitalization and are minor. However, there are several symptoms that will alert you that an injured person is in need of immediate medical care.

Things You'll Need

• a clean cloth
• flashlight
• a pillow

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Instructions

• 1

  Instruct the patient to lie down. Examine the wound to see if there is any bleeding from the head, nose, face or ears. If there is severe bleeding coming from these areas, call 911 immediately.

• 2

  Ask the patient questions. If she is confused about where she is, has slurred speech, trouble speaking or is breathing strangely, call 911 immediately.

• 3

  Treat the bleeding. Use a clean cloth to wrap around the wound. Apply pressure to the wound, unless you think there is a chance the skull could be fractured. Gently mop the wound with the cloth if you think there is a skull fracture, and call 911 immediately.

• 4

  Shine a flashlight in the patient's eyes. If her pupils are two different sizes or do not dilate, call 911 immediately.

• 5

  Look for discoloration or bruises under the eyes. Call 911 if there is major discoloration in the eyes or face. If the person is vomiting, losing consciousness or shaking, call 911 immediately.

• 6

  Lay the patient down in a dark, quiet room if possible, with the head and shoulders on a pillow. Tell the patient quietly that the ambulance is coming and that she should relax. Do not panic; simply remind the patient that help is coming.