How to Conduct a Secondary Survey of the Head During First Aid

One of the most frequent causes of death in the wilderness is injuries to the head, including scalp, brain and skull injuries. Carefully examine the head to assess whether to immediately evacuate the injured person and whether to treat for brain injuries.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber Or Latex Gloves
• Surgical Masks

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Instructions

• 1

  Put on rubber gloves and a surgical mask before touching the injured person.

• 2

  Look at the injured person's head and face and note any abrasions, bruising, open wounds, discoloration or bleeding. Pay special attention to the area of the skull behind the ear, because bruising often occurs here as a result of brain injuries.

• 3

  Look in the injured person's nose and ears for any blood or clear fluid.

• 4

  Look at the injured person's facial bones for any asymmetry or deformities. These may be especially apparent when you look at the cheekbones.

• 5

  Feel the injured person's head lightly for any swelling, depressions, tenderness or pain.

• 6

  Check the eyes for any asymmetry of the pupils or problems with vision. (See "How to Check Vital Signs.")