Don't ignore that bump on the head

OUR writer dispels some of the most common myths about treating this type of injury

Treating a head injury is not child's playGETTY

Treating a head injury is not child's play

You're in a busy playground when a toddler falls head first from the climbing frame becoming unconscious for a few seconds.

Would you know what to do and have the confidence to step in and help?

According to research by first aid charity St John Ambulance 59 per cent of us don't think we could save a life in an emergency, with a quarter saying we would stand by helplessly and do nothing while a life is on the line.

And of those who would attempt first aid their confidence is sadly misplaced. While just over a quarter (28 per cent) said they'd know what first aid to do the survey results showed that many would do the wrong thing and potentially make the situation worse.

This is particularly important with head injuries because they can damage the brain and make someone lose consciousness.

The severity of a head injury depends on how someone hit their head and how hard the impact was.

It may cause damage to the brain tissue or to blood vessels inside the skull or even break the skull (a skull fracture). Six key things you should watch out for include: brief loss of consciousness; a scalp wound; dizziness or nausea; loss of memory of events before or during the injury; headache or confusion.

Concussion isn't always accompanied by unconsciousness and the signs may take time to appear

Signs that a head injury could be severe include: a reduced level of responsiveness; loss of consciousness; leakage of blood or watery fluid from the ear or nose; or pupils that are of an unequal size.

To help someone who has sustained a head injury, sit them down and give them something cold to hold against the site of the injury.

You can use a cold compress, a bag of ice or frozen peas wrapped in a cloth. Treat scalp wounds such as a cut or bruise by applying direct pressure.

Check the person's level of consciousness and make a note of their reactions - especially any changes to their level of response - to pass on to the ambulance crew in case you have to call for help.

If they are alert or responsive then they are conscious and their head injury is probably mild but you should wait with them until they recover.

If the patient is not alert or responsive then they may be partially or fully unconscious and their head injury could be severe. Call 999/112 for an ambulance.

If they lose consciousness at any point you must open their airway, check their breathing and if they are breathing normally place them in the recovery position. While you're waiting for an ambulance, keep checking their breathing, pulse and any changes in their level of response.

St John Ambulance is running a free, one-hour online tutorial called The Big First Aid Lesson which will be streamed live into classrooms across the country on Friday, June 12.

The lesson will combine first aid training and 999 scenarios with real-life stories, as well as opportunities for pupils to join the conversation via Google Hangouts. To sign up visit: sja.org.uk/ bigfirstaidlesson

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT CONCUSSION

Myth: A slight headache after a fall is normal and nothing to worry about.

Fact: Headache, dizziness or confusion after a bang to the head could be a sign of concussion.

When the brain is 'shaken' inside the skull the temporary damage it causes is called concussion.

If someone is temporarily unconscious after a blow to the head you should always suspect concussion and should seek medical help immediately.

Don't wait for the casualty to get worse as this is a condition which needs to be monitored in hospital.

Myth: A child with a diagnosed concussion should be woken every few hours to check on their condition.

Fact: You may need to check an infant or toddler as they won't be able tell you what's going on but waking older children is unnecessary.

If you suspect a concussion seek medical help. You will be advised on what to look for and to expect.

Recovery from concussion includes plenty of rest and sleep is part of the recovery process.

Myth: If your child didn't lose consciousness they don't have concussion.

Fact: Concussion isn't always accompanied by unconsciousness and the signs may take time to appear.

Keep a close eye on them and seek medical help if they start to feel nauseous or vomit, start to behave in an unusual way or become increasingly drowsy.

Myth: I don't have a headache so I must not be injured.

Fact: A headache is not the only symptom of concussion so don't use it as a key recognition feature.

If you have any of the other symptoms listed above - or any concerns - seek medical help.

Myth: It is safe for a child to return to play if the symptoms are still there but less intense.

Fact: If your child has shown any symptoms of concussion they should be seen by a doctor and should not be allowed to return to play until they have completely recovered.

Risk of brain disease too much - Borland [AMBIENT]

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