1 Head Injuries Pakistan ICITAP

Learning Objectives Recognize different types of head injuries Learn about different types of brain injuries Identify signs and symptoms of head and brain injuries Learn proper first aid for various head and brain injuries 2

3 Introduction As Police Officers, you will be exposed to head injuries resulting from accidents, combat and blast injuries The victim of a head injury must be treated at a medical facility as soon as possible A knowledge of First Aid can often mean the difference between life and death

4 A head injury is any trauma that leads to injury of the scalp, skull, or brain These injuries may bleed profusely, and can be either minor or serious Head injury is classified as either closed or open (penetrating) Head Injuries

5 Minor or serious injury?

6 Brain injuries There are 2 main types of brain injuries, including: Concussion, the most common type of traumatic brain injury, in which the brain is shaken Contusion, which is a bruise on the brain  May occur due to clot or hemorrhage  Can cause altered mental status  Signs and symptoms similar to traumatic injury (but no trauma)  Injuries to brain cause internal bleeding and increased pressure in the cranium

7 Traumatic brain injury  Caused by external trauma  Examples include bullets, shrapnel or strike from a blunt object  Can cause altered mental status

8 Levels of Responsiveness Alert (awake/oriented) Verbal (responds to someone talking) Painful (responds to inflicted pain like hard pinch or rub) Unresponsive (no reaction to any stimulus)

9 Blunt Trauma

10 Head Injury Signs and Symptoms: Altered or decreased mental status Irregular breathing patterns Mechanism of injury present

11 Head Injury Signs and Symptoms: Contusions, lacerations, or hematomas Deformity of skull Blood/fluid (either clear, slight yellow tinge or red with large clumps of cerebral or spinal fluid) from ears or nose Bruising around eyes, behind ears

12 Raccoon Eyes Skull Fracture Battle Signs

13 Head Injury Signs and Symptoms:  Neurologic disability  Nausea and/or vomiting  Unequal pupil size with altered mental status  Seizures

14 Unequal pupil size

15 Head Injury Treatment: Body substance isolation Airway, ventilation, oxygen Initial assessment with C-spine stabilization

16 Head Injury Treatment: Complete assessment Immobilize spine Monitor airway, breathing, pulse, mental status closely

17 Head Injury Treatment: Control bleeding Do not apply pressure to open or depressed skull injury Dress and bandage wound

18 Head Injury Treatment:  Be prepared for changes in patient condition  Transport immediately  Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes until medical help arrives

19

20 Questions?

21 Class Practical Exercise Practice some of the skills shared in this presentation