June is Brain Injury Awareness Month and St. John Ambulance wants you to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of a head injury.
For many, summer is a season of adventure and activity. Sports teams start up, cottages open, ATVs come out of storage. It’s a wonderful time of year to get out and be active. Unfortunately some summer activities put people at risk of sustaining a head injury. Head injuries can have serious consequences so it is important to be able to recognize them so you can seek appropriate medical help.
Symptoms of a Head Injury:
•Blood or straw coloured fluid from ears/ nose
•Nausea/vomiting (especially in children)
•Bruising around the eyes (racoon eyes)
•Open wounds to the scalp
•Bruising behind the ears
•Penetrating wounds to the scalp
•Complains of seeing “stars”
•Seizure activity
•Confused, dazed, possibly combative
•Severe, debilitating headache
•Conscious/semi-conscious
•Softness or depression of the skull
•Facial bruises
•Unequal pupil size
•Irregular/stopped breathing
•Weakened/paralysed arms/legs
If you suspect someone has a head injury you should also suspect a spinal injury. Make sure to provide the injured person with proper neck support to prevent any further damage.
It is also important to remember that wearing a helmet will protect against serious injuries (like a skull fracture) but it does not protect the wearer against concussion/compression injuries. If a person is injured while wearing a helmet check to see if he/she is breathing, if the breathing is normal and you can easily access his/her airway leave the helmet on. If he/she is not breathing and you cannot access his/her airway carefully remove the helmet and begin CPR. Make sure to support the neck and back of the head as you remove the helmet allowing for as little movement as possible.
Whether you are going off trail on an ATV, riding a bike through the city or playing a game of ball with your friends make sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment and plan for safe day. To learn first aid, make a donation or become a volunteer with St. John Ambulance, visit. sja.ca.
