GotoAID - Fractured Skull

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Fractured Skull

A bone fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. A fractured skull is usually sustained in high impact falls, blunt-force trauma or motor vehicle accidents. This is a medical emergency.

Symptoms

Bleeding from Wound, Ears, Nose, or Around Eyes	Changes in Pupil Size
Confusion	Convulsions
Drowsiness	Nausea
Balance Problems	Headache
Swelling	Vomiting
Stiff Neck	Loss of Consciousness
Slurred Speech

Steps

Check the airways, breathing, and circulation and begin CPR if necessary.

Call 911 or ask a bystander to call for medical assistance.

DO NOT move the person unless absolutely necessary (i.e. to remove them from danger, always assume a neck/spine injury in someone with a head wound).

Carefully check the site of injury, but do not probe in or around the site with a foreign object as it can be difficult to know if the skull is fractured or depressed (dented in) at the site of injury.

Control any bleeding by applying firm pressure with a clean pad or cloth to control blood loss over a broad area.

If blood soaks through, do not remove the original pad/cloth; instead apply additional pads/cloths on top, and continue to apply pressure.

If the person is vomiting, stabilize the head and neck and carefully turn them to the side to prevent choking on vomit.

If the person is conscious and experiencing any listed symptoms, transport to the nearest emergency medical facility (even if the person does not think medical assistance is necessary).

Warnings

DO NOT move the person unless absolutely necessary

DO NOT remove any foreign objects

DO NOT allow the person to continue in any physical activities

Tips

If the person must be moved, take care to stabilize the head and neck. Place your hands on both sides of the head and under the shoulders and make sure not to allow the head to bend forward or backward, or to twist or turn.

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Suggestions

Fist Fracture (Boxer's Fracture)

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