Head Injuries - concussion & compression

• Knowledge of the risks of serious head injuries on sailing boats
• Knowledge of types of serious head injuries
• Can identify signs of a serious head injury
• Understands that confusion and deteriorating level of response are signs that the condition is worsening
• Understands than a case of suspected concussion should be assessed by a professional
• Understands that a serious head injury may involve a spinal injury in addition
• Can treat and position a casualty appropriately 

• Understands that a reduced level of response indicates a problem with the brain
• Knowledge that there are many caused of unconsciousness
• Understands that a patient with a reduced level of response due to medical illness or non-physical trauma, who does NOT meet the criteria for CPR, should be placed in the recovery position
• Knowledge that unconsciousness can develop gradually
• Understands how the AVPU scale is used to determine level of response, and monitor improvement or deterioration
• Understands that there are many circumstances where assessing the level of response is important
• Can use the AVPU scale effectively 

The AVPU scale is a tool used by first aiders and medical professionals to assess a patient's level of consciousness.

Alert - The patient is aware of their surroundings and can respond independently. They can open their eyes spontaneously, follow commands, and track objects.

Verbal - The patient's eyes only open in response to verbal stimuli, and they can react to those stimuli in a meaningful way.

Painful -The patient's eyes do not open spontaneously, and they only respond to painful stimuli. They may move, moan, or cry out in response to the stimuli.

Unresponsive - The patient does not respond spontaneously or to verbal or painful stimuli

• Slight headache
• Feeling sick
• Feeling dazed
• Slight dizziness

• Sit down, assess add cold compress
• Check AVPU
• If unresponsive - call emergency services
• If unresponsive & breathing normally - recovery position and monitor 
• If unresponsive & not  breathing normally - start CPR
• Any Wounds? - apply pressure and apply dressing if required
• Monitor - if alert & responsive. If deteriorate - get emergency advice

Get emergency help if: 

• Were unconscious but wake up
• Vomit post injury
• Behaviour or memory problems
• Bleeding from ears
• Ages over 65 yrs
• Have been Drinking  or taking Drugs before injury
• Have blood clotting disorder or take blood thinners
• Have had past brain surgery 

Be aware they may have concussion. 

• Contact emergency services
• Carry out primary survey
• Do not move casualty unless they are in danger (they may have a spinal injury)
• If unresponsive but breathing normally - open airway with jaw thrust technique (use fingertips to gently lift jaw)
• Continue to monitor