What head injury signs indicate potential concussion or intracranial bleed, and what is the EMT approach?

What head injury signs indicate potential concussion or intracranial bleed, and what is the EMT approach?

• A. Tinnitus and nausea.
• B. Nosebleed only.
• C. Loss of consciousness, amnesia, severe headache, vomiting, confusion; monitor vitals, protect from further injury, transport, notify receiving facility.
• D. Rash; apply cream.

Answer: (C)

When a head injury shows signs such as loss of consciousness, amnesia, a severe headache, vomiting, or confusion, it points to possible concussion or intracranial bleed. These symptoms mean the brain may be injured and could deteriorate, so the EMT approach is to treat the situation as a potential brain injury: secure the airway and breathing, keep the spine aligned and immobilized if neck or head injury is suspected, and continuously monitor mental status and vital signs. Provide oxygen if needed to keep the patient well-oxygenated, control the scene to prevent further injury, and transport promptly to a facility capable of imaging and advanced care. Notify the receiving facility so they can prepare for possible imaging and urgent intervention. The other signs—tinnitus with nausea, a nosebleed alone, or a rash—are not reliable indicators of a concussion or intracranial bleed and do not by themselves require the same urgent brain-injury management.

When a head injury shows signs such as loss of consciousness, amnesia, a severe headache, vomiting, or confusion, it points to possible concussion or intracranial bleed. These symptoms mean the brain may be injured and could deteriorate, so the EMT approach is to treat the situation as a potential brain injury: secure the airway and breathing, keep the spine aligned and immobilized if neck or head injury is suspected, and continuously monitor mental status and vital signs. Provide oxygen if needed to keep the patient well-oxygenated, control the scene to prevent further injury, and transport promptly to a facility capable of imaging and advanced care. Notify the receiving facility so they can prepare for possible imaging and urgent intervention. The other signs—tinnitus with nausea, a nosebleed alone, or a rash—are not reliable indicators of a concussion or intracranial bleed and do not by themselves require the same urgent brain-injury management.