Injuries

Head Injury

For a head injury, apply a cold compress to any bump, watch closely for warning signs, and call 999 for loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, fits or worsening symptoms.

When to call 999. Call 999 for unconsciousness (even briefly), a fit or seizure, repeated vomiting, clear fluid or bleeding from the ears or nose, difficulty staying awake, weakness, slurred speech, or a severe or worsening headache.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Sit the person down and keep them calm and still.
  2. Apply a cold compress (ice or frozen peas wrapped in a cloth) to any swelling or bump for up to 20 minutes.
  3. If there is a scalp wound bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean pad.
  4. Watch closely for any warning signs over the next hours and days.
  5. If the person becomes drowsy, confused, or develops any red-flag symptom, call 999.
  6. For anything more than a very minor bump, seek medical advice, especially for babies, older people, or those on blood-thinning medicines.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not let someone with a significant head injury drive, drink alcohol or be left alone for the first 24 hours. Do not assume a person is fine just because they seem alright straight after — symptoms can develop later.

Afterwards and while you wait

Keep an eye on the person for at least 24–48 hours, waking a sleeping person is not usually necessary but they should be easy to rouse. Rest, avoid alcohol and strenuous activity, and take paracetamol for headache. Seek urgent help if any warning sign appears.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Head Injury: frequently asked questions

When should I worry after a bump to the head?

Seek urgent help for any loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, fits, worsening or severe headache, confusion, drowsiness, weakness, vision or speech problems, or fluid from the ears or nose.

Can I let someone sleep after a head injury?

Yes, sleep is fine if they are otherwise well, but they should be easy to wake. If you cannot rouse them normally, or they show any warning sign, call 999.

Related

Other injuries first aid

Burns and ScaldsCool a burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, remove tight items before sw…Broken BoneKeep the injured area still and supported, do not try to straighten it, and get medical he…NosebleedFor a nosebleed, sit forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10–15 minutes, breath…Sprains and StrainsFor a sprain or strain, follow RICE — Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation — for the first…Cuts and GrazesFor a minor cut or graze, clean it under running water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, a…Eye InjuryFor something in the eye, rinse gently with clean water; for chemicals in the eye, rinse c…

Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
  • Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)

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