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First aid for a
head injury

Watch the video, in which Kirsty is treated for a head injury.

Use the information below the video to remind yourself how to help someone who has a head injury.

1

Ask them to rest and apply a cold compress to the injury (e.g. frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel).

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Applying a cold compress to the injury will reduce external swelling and pain. In addition to external swelling, when a person suffers a blow to the head, the brain can be shaken inside the skull. This may result in a more serious head injury (e.g. concussion), which may make them feel sick or drowsy.

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2

If they become drowsy or vomit, call 999 or get someone else to do it.

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This could be a sign of a serious injury to the head.

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Questions and answers

Questions and answers about first aid for head injuries.

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