Head/neck injuries

Head/neck injuries:

ASSESSMENT. It is vital for the rescuer to determine the nature of the head/neck injury, as well as if the person has had any loss of consciousness. This information should be conveyed to the emergency medical responders to help determine the need for further testing.

INTERVENTION. It is important to limit the movement of the victim of a head or neck injury, because it could result in more damage. Do not move the head or neck unless absolutely necessary—for example, if vomiting starts. In such a situation, the rescuer must carefully turn the person to the side in order to prevent inhalation of vomit into the lungs.

Seizure:

ASSESSMENT. A seizure occurs when the brain emits irregular electrical signals. The person having a seizure usually falls to the ground and shakes. The person may lose urinary or bowel functioning.
INTERVENTION. It is important to clear a safe area for a seizure victim. Protecting the skull with a cushion or blanket will help decrease injuries to the head and neck. The rescuer should never restrain the victim or put anything in the mouth.

If you can't stop the bleeding
If a cut won't stop bleeding, first try pressing cloths or paper towels (maxipads and Depends make good bandages, too) directly on top of the wound. On top of that, place a large object (like a balled-up sock), and wrap the entire thing tightly in an Ace bandage. Keep the wound above the level of your heart and check it in ten minutes; if it's still bleeding, re-wrap it and go to an emergency room. If you're feeling the symptoms of shock, call 911.It's important to maintain direct pressure for ten minutes without peeking. If you're pressing a cloth or bandage against the wound and the blood soaks through before ten minutes are up, just put another one on top of it. After you stop the bleeding, place a cold pack on the wound for ten minutes. Then wash with Betadine and apply an antibiotic ointment or spray (to keep the wound moist and minimize chances of infection) and a bandage. Change the bandage twice daily, and rotate the direction of the bandage tape to keep the skin around the cut from becoming too irritated. Bandages should be large enough that they extend an inch beyond all edges of the wound.
Watch for redness or heat spreading outward from the wound; these are signs of an infection and should be treated by a doctor. Other signs of infection include swollen lymph glands, increased pain, and fever. If you start running a fever, go to the doctor immediately.
Why bother about bandaging? Well, properly bandaged cuts heal faster and are less likely to scar. If the wound is small enough, the new Advanced Care Band-Aid is a good idea. You apply it and leave it on for several days as the wound heals underneath; it's made from a special material that turns fluids from the wound into cushioning or lets them evaporate. The tight seal means no bacteria can get in. If you choose to use a product like this, be sure to read the package directions. Closing the wound with Steri-Strips is also a good way to minimize scarring; the closer the wound edges are as they heal, the less scar tissue the body has to produce to join them.
Drink lots of fluid to make up for any blood you've lost. If you do this and you're still dizzy on standing (postural hypotension -- your blood pressure is dropping when you stand), see your doctor. Also, if you lost a lot of blood or are extremely fatigued, have your blood hematocrit (iron levels) checked -- you might have made yourself anemic.