- Road traffic accidents
- Accidents at home / work
- Assault
- Fall
- Sports
- Loss of consciousness - for short or long duration
- Bleeding
- Vomiting
- Fluid discharge from nose
- Loss of hearing, vision, taste, smell
- Speech-related problems
- Irregular heart beat
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Change in personality
- Mental health-related problems
For mild injury-
- Apply ice to injured area to minimize swelling
- The size of the bump is not related to the severity of injury
- Observe the patient carefully for signs of bleeding
For moderate to severe injury-
- Check the patient's breathing pattern
- If necessary do Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- In case of bleeding, press area with a clean cloth
- If the cloth soaks, place a fresh cloth over the first one
- Do not remove debris from the wound
- If person is vomiting turn on the side and lower the head
- To minimize spine injury - hold head, neck and body in one line
- Immobilize the patient
- If unconscious, treat it like a spinal injury
- Keep the head in alignment with spine
- Get immediate medical help
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- When the following occur seek medical help-
- Bleeding
- Fluid discharge from nose, mouth, ears
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Confusion / Restlessness / Irritability
- Slurred speech / Convulsion
- Blurred Vision
- Low breathing
- Low blood pressure / Severe headache
- Fracture / Stiff neck
- Loss of sensory abilities
- Inability to move one or more limbs
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- Avoid shaking or moving a person who has head injuries
- Avoid washing the wound or removing debris
- Do not remove helmet in case of head injury
- Do not consume alcohol immediately after a head injury
- Do not pick up a fallen child with head injury
- Do not indulge in drunken driving
- Practice safe methods while driving / sporting / other activities
- Always follow safety rules
- Supervise the activities of children
I work in a nursing home. A patient recently fell [not witnessed] and he was found unconscious lying face down with blood coming out of his ear. 911 was called immediately. Should the patient be moved onto his back to assess breathing and airway before 911 arrives or should he be left lying prone? I LOOK forward to your answer. Thanks