All emergency guideshigh Call 999 where appropriate
Emergency
Head Injuries
Assume concussion or worse after any impact. Watch for delayed deterioration.
Red flags — call 999
- Unconscious at any point
- Vomiting more than once
- Seizure
- Fluid or blood from ear/nose
- Bruising behind ear or panda eyes
- Confusion, slurred speech, weakness
- Severe or worsening headache
Actions
- Keep casualty still and reassure
- Control bleeding with direct pressure — avoid depressing skull
- If suspected spinal injury, keep head/neck aligned
- Monitor level of response (AVPU) every few minutes
- If unresponsive but breathing → recovery position (support neck)
What NOT to do
- Don't give food, drink or painkillers
- Don't let casualty drive home
- Don't dismiss 'minor' bumps in elderly or those on blood thinners
GuardAssist provides operational decision support. It does not replace formal training, employer procedures, assignment instructions or professional judgement. In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999.