Learn first aid for someone who has a head injury

A blow to the head may result in someone having pain or a headache. There may be a bump on their head and they may look pale.

1. Ask them to rest and apply something cold to the injury – for example, frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel.

Applying something cold to the injury for up to 20 minutes will reduce external swelling and pain. When a person has a blow to the head, their brain can be shaken inside the skull as well. This may cause a more serious head injury which may make them feel sick or drowsy.

If the injury has happened when playing sports, they must not return to sport until they have been seen by a medical professional.  

2. If they become sleepy, vomit or seem confused, call 999.

This could be a sign of a serious injury to the head. If you can't call 999, get someone else to do it.

Watch how to help someone who has a head injury (1 minute 47 seconds)

Common questions about first aid for someone who has a head injury

What can I apply to the injury to reduce swelling and pain?


What is concussion?


What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?


Should I watch a baby or child who has a head injury to see if they have concussion?


Are there any other reasons I might need to call 999 after a head injury


What if the person becomes unresponsive as the result of a head injury?


What should I do if the head injury is bleeding heavily?

 

What can I apply to the injury to reduce swelling and pain?

You could wrap a towel or clothing around frozen vegetables or ice and apply it to the injury.

Never place ice directly on the skin, as it’s too cold.

Back to questions

 

What is concussion?

 Concussion happens when the brain is shaken inside the skull because of a blow to the head.  

A person with concussion may be unresponsive for a few seconds to a few minutes. Most people make a full recovery from concussion, but occasionally it becomes more serious.  

Seek medical help if you think they have concussion.  

Back to questions

 

What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?

A person may have concussion if they:

  • are temporarily unresponsive
  • are dizzy
  • have a headache
  • are confused
  • feel sick
  • have blurred vision
  • loss of memory of what happened immediately before or during the head injury

Back to questions

 

Should I watch a person who has a head injury to see if they have concussion?

Yes, you should watch anyone who has had a head injury for the signs of concussion. Sometimes you may not see the signs immediately. Call 999 if you suspect they have concussion.

Back to questions

 

Are there any other reasons I might need to call 999 after a head injury?

 Call 999 if:   

  • They become less responsive or unresponsive  
  • They have numbness or weakness in any part of their body  
  • They have clear fluid or blood coming from their ears or nose  
  • They have a seizure  
  • They have been in a serious accident or had a severe blow to the head  

They should also seek medical advice if:  

  • They are over 65  
  • They have had a previous brain injury  
  • They are taking medicines to thin their blood  
  • They have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs  
  • There is no one to look after them  

Test your knowledge with our First aid app quiz