Head injuries kill and disable more people under the age of 50 than any other type of neurological damage, and after gunshot wounds, are the second leading cause of death in men under the age of 35. Nearly half of all people who suffer a severe head injury die. Of all the head injury deaths, over half are the result of traffic accidents.
- Damage from a head injury. A head injury can damage the scalp, skull, or brain in any combination. A harsh blow can severely shake the brain, sometimes causing brain damage, even when there is no sign of harm. A blow to the head can bruise the brain tissue, causing death of some brain cells in the area of the injury. When an object actually penetrates the skull, foreign material can cause infection, or blood vessels may break or tear, causing hemorrhage.
- Symptoms and signs of head injury. If the injury is mild, there may be no symptoms other than a slight headache. In some cases there is concussion, (brief unconsciousness), which may cause confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, slurred speech, and poor coordination. Severe head injuries may result in unconsciousness that lasts longer than a few minutes, or coma, which can be fatal. Symptoms such as vomiting, pupils of unequal size, double vision, or deteriorating level of consciousness suggest progressive brain damage.
- Immediate care for head injuries. Quickly access the situation and if the individual is obviously seriously injured, prompt medical attention is imperative. Time is of the essence. Call the local EMS and convey to the dispatcher the severity of the victim’s injuries. Check the victim’s airway, breathing, and circulation. Stop the bleeding from lacerations if it can be accomplished without further endangering the victim. Never move the victim unless imminent danger (such as fire or toxic fumes) is present. Keep the injured person as warm and comfortable as possible and stay with them until medical help arrives.
Suggestions for the workplace
- Always wear a hard hat while on the job and be aware of objects that are falling, moving, or flying.
- Slipping and tripping can result in falls that can cause potentially serious head injury.
- Falling from heights is a major cause of severe head trauma. Neglecting to use proper fall protection equipment can lead to falls of potentially lethal distances.
Conclusion:
The head is the nerve center of humans and must be carefully protected. Even with all of the natural protection, traumatic brain injury from blunt force or falling impact concussion can cause adverse immediate or long term effects, and possibly even death. Use safe work practices, common sense, and good judgement to help avoid head injuries.
Questions:
- To prevent head injuries, what should always be worn?
- It’s OK to move someone with a head injury, True or False?