Facts
  • Not all head injuries require immediate evacuation.
  • Immediate evacuation is necessary if the victim suffers any of the symptoms below:
    • loss of consciousness (brief loss of consciousness with return to normal alertness is ok)
    • history of bleeding disorder
    • taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding
  • Anyone with a head injury should be observed for neck and spinal injuries also.
  • Persons with symptoms of neck or spinal injuries must be immobilized to prevent spinal cord damage and permanent paralysis

 

Causes of Injury
  • Blow to the head, neck or back
  • Fall

 

Prevention
  • Use good judgement at all times to prevent falls.
  • Wear hiking boots with adequate tread for the terrain to prevent slipping or falling.Use good judgement at all times to prevent falls.
  • Use walking sticks for added stability while hiking.
  • Avoid hiking on slopes with loose rocks.
  • Be watchful of foot placement when hiking.

 

Symptoms
  • Head Injury:
    • head or facial bleeding, or bleeding from the nose or ears
    • bruising around eyes or ears
    • severe headache
    • change in level of consciousness for more than a few seconds
    • cessation of breathing
    • confusion
    • loss of balance, weakness, incoordination
    • inability to use an arm or leg
    • unequal pupil size
    • vomiting
    • slurred speech
    • changes in vision
    • seizures
  • Neck / Spinal Injury:
    • evidence of head injury
    • neck or back twisted or out
    • severe pain in neck or back
    • victim cannot move his neck
    • weakness, numbness, paralysis, or inability to control limbs
    • loss of bladder or bowel control

 

First Aid
  • Head Injury:
    • keep the victim still with head and shoulders slightly elevated.
    • if vomiting occurs, position the victim on his side.
    • control bleeding.
    • observe for other symptoms.
  • Neck / Spinal Injury:
    • immobilize the head with cervical collar (or socks filled with sand or rocks wrapped in towels).
    • if CPR is needed, grasp the jaw and lift it forward; do NOT tilt the head backward.
    • if the victim needs to be turned over, use "log roll" technique with one person exerting gentle traction on the head and keeping the head in alignment with the body while others roll the victim over.

 

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