Understanding Traumatic Injuries and Concussions

Sep 16, 2024

Traumatic Accidents and Injuries

Types of Injuries

  • Head, neck, and spinal injuries can result from traumatic accidents such as:
    • Falling from a height
    • Being thrown from a vehicle
    • Sustaining a blow to the head

Signs and Symptoms of Head, Neck, or Spinal Injuries

  • Mechanism of Injury: Understanding how the injury occurred.
  • Behavioral Changes:
    • Unresponsiveness
    • Confusion
    • Stumbling
    • Repeatedly asking the same questions
    • Memory loss
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Speech problems
  • Physical Signs:
    • Head, neck, or back pain
    • Visible injury
    • Partial or complete loss of sensation or movement
    • Seizures
    • Inability to perform previous activities (e.g., walking)

Immediate Care Steps

  1. Check and Call: Assess the situation and call for emergency services (EMS).
  2. Provide Care:
    • Care based on your level of training.
    • Keep the person in their original position unless CPR is needed or bleeding must be controlled.
    • Maintain the person's body temperature.
    • Address any other injuries if trained to do so.

Concussions

Definition

  • A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that affects brain function, often due to:
    • Bump
    • Blow
    • Jolt leading to rapid movement of the brain within the skull.

Signs and Symptoms of Concussion

  • Physical Symptoms:
    • Dizziness
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Headache
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Seizures
  • Cognitive Symptoms:
    • Confusion
    • Blurred or double vision
    • Memory loss
  • Inability to Perform Previous Activities

Immediate Actions for Suspected Concussion

  1. Check Step: Conduct a thorough assessment of signs and symptoms.
  2. Stop Activity: Advise the person to cease their current activity.
  3. Call 911: If symptoms are observed, call for emergency help.
  4. Care Steps:
    • Provide care according to your training level.
    • Allow the person to rest without moving.
    • Maintain body temperature.
    • Address any additional injuries as necessary.

Follow-Up Care

  • If EMS is not called, the individual should consult a healthcare provider for a full evaluation as soon as possible.