Engaging in outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain biking, camping, and rock climbing. But these activities also have a higher risk of accidents. Most accidents result in minor injuries, such as bumps and bruises, which resolve quickly.
However, the accident can result in moderate to severe injuries like broken bones and head trauma. Head trauma ranks at the very top in terms of risk, considering head trauma can be accompanied by brain injuries, which can be fatal depending on the severity.
This guide focuses on first aid for head trauma and can offer you some life-saving skills the next time you venture outdoors.
Assess the Patient
The type of first aid you offer depends on the condition of the cognition and the type of apparent injuries on the head.
Some things you want to look for when assessing a patient are their consciousness if they are losing blood, swelling, etc.
Depending on the nature of the injuries, you can decide to call 911.
However, accessing a patient’s physical condition will not be enough to determine the severity of injuries, especially when the accident involves falling from heights or being knocked against rocks or trees, so you may need to call 911, irrespective of the apparent injuries.
Stop Bleeding
Bleeding poses a significant risk to life, so address it first. If you have a bandage, which you should always have as part of your first aid kit when venturing outdoors, fold it into a pad and use it to apply pressure on the open wound to prevent bleeding.
Use a clean piece of cloth or your clothes in the worst-case scenario.
You may also want to wrap bandages or clothes around the pad to hold it in place permanently. If there are any embedded objects, do not remove them, as that would increase the rate of bleeding.
Instead, use a pad to apply pressure around the object to stop the bleeding first and leave the object to the doctor. Also, you should have the head above the heart to reduce the blood pressure as it gets to the wounded part.
First Aid for Unconscious Patients
Being in a state of unconsciousness is a big red flag for severe injuries, so you want to ensure you offer first aid to bring them into a state of consciousness or at least ensure they stay alive until help arrives. First, you must ensure that the patient is breathing.
If they are not, it could be because their airways are blocked, so you may need to tilt their head slightly to allow free airflow.
You also need to check their pulse, and if it is not there, start CPR immediately. Basic CPR is pretty straightforward, and you should learn about it before your next outdoor escapade.
If you are within network coverage, the 911 responder will guide you through it on the phone as you await help.
Seek Medical Help Immediately
Brain injuries will likely go unnoticed in the first few hours or even days, especially if significant physical injuries do not accompany them.
So even when a loved one may not need to see a doctor immediately or call 911, it is important to monitor them closely for signs of mild traumatic brain injuries, also known as a concussion, that could show hours or days later.
When seeking help for traumatic injuries, opt for professionals from credible institutions such as Neural Effects, specializing in brain injuries and other neurological conditions.
Final Words
Head injuries pose a huge risk to life because of their close proximity to the brain. But taking proper steps can make a huge difference.
The tips highlighted above can be lifesavers and are worth looking at before your next outdoor adventure.