Head Injury First Aid: Signs, Symptoms & What to Do 

🧠 How to Manage a Head Injury

Why Head Injuries Are So Concerning

Head injuries can happen in a variety of situations—slips, falls, impact from objects, or sudden jolts.
What makes them especially dangerous is that:

• The person may seem “fine” at first but deteriorate rapidly

• Symptoms can be subtle and easily missed

• Injuries may affect coordination, memory, or ability to communicate

• Even a minor bump can cause serious trauma, like concussion or internal bleeding

➡️ Recognising the signs early is essential for safety and recovery.

🧠 What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head. You do not need to be knocked unconscious to have one.

Common symptoms include:

• Headache or pressure in the head

• Dizziness or balance issues

• Nausea or vomiting

• Fatigue or drowsiness

• Confusion or slowed thinking

• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light

• Memory gaps (especially around the event)

🕑 Symptoms can appear over minutes or hours—keep observing.

🚨 Red Flags: Signs of a Serious Brain Injury

Call 111 immediately if any of these symptoms appear:

• Any loss of consciousness

• Seizures or convulsions

• Repeated vomiting

• Unequal pupils or slurred speech

• Clear fluid or blood from nose or ears

• Worsening headache or increasing confusion

📱 Always provide accurate location details when calling emergency services.

🩺 What To Do After a Head Knock

1. Stop and Assess

• Have the person sit or lie down

• Ask simple memory questions:
  "Where are we?", "What happened?", "What’s your name?"

• Try a simple mental task (e.g. “Count to 15 in 3s”)

• Check pupils for size and light response

2. Monitor Closely

• Watch for changes in behaviour, speech, balance, and awareness

• Keep checking every 15–20 minutes for at least an hour

• Take notes if possible

3. Seek Medical Help or Evacuate If Necessary
Seek help if:

• The person lost consciousness

• Symptoms worsen or don't improve

• You're unsure about their condition

• They are unable to move safely

4. Keep Them Comfortable

• Reduce noise, light and stress

• Avoid unnecessary movement

• Keep them warm and supported

⛑️ What About Helmets?

Helmets reduce the risk of skull fractures—but they don’t eliminate the risk of concussion or internal brain injury.

If someone hits their head while wearing a helmet:

• DO NOT remove it unless needed for airway management

• Leave removal to trained professionals whenever possible

• Continue to monitor for signs of concussion or deterioration

💤 Aftercare Matters

Even a mild concussion requires rest and monitoring:

• No strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks

• Avoid screens, alcohol, loud noise, and complex tasks

• Monitor for lingering symptoms like memory loss, headaches, or mood changes

• Always seek medical clearance before returning to normal duties

🚨 Repeated concussions can have long-term effects on brain health.

💬 Final Word: Stay Vigilant

A head injury might not always look serious—but the consequences can be. Recognise the signs. Monitor carefully. Get help when needed. Your calm response and early actions can prevent lasting damage or save a life.

👩‍⚕️ First Aid Saves Lives

At RealMed First Aid, we teach how to recognise and respond to head injuries through scenario-based, hands-on training. Our courses cover everything from concussion signs to unconscious casualty management.

📍 Book a course in your region and learn how to act fast when every second counts.

🔗 Helpful Resource: ACC – Concussions in sports & recreation
🔗 Explore More: RealMed First Aid Courses🧠 

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RealMed First Aid delivers interactive, group first aid courses across New Zealand. Our hands-on, scenario-based training builds real confidence for real emergencies.