First aid for a head injury

Learn adult first aid for someone who has a head injury including signs, symptoms and what to do in an emergency.

Signs and symptoms of a head injury

Signs and symptoms to look out for when you suspect someone has a head injury:

  • they have banged their head
  • their head might hurt
  • they might have a headache
  • a lump may appear on their head

First aid steps for someone with a head injury

1. Ask them to rest and apply something cold to the injury – for example, frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel.

Applying something cold to the injury for up to 20 minutes will reduce external swelling and pain. When a person has a blow to the head, their brain can be shaken inside the skull as well. This may cause a more serious head injury which may make them feel sick or drowsy.

If the injury has happened when playing sports, they must not return to sport until they have been seen by a medical professional.  

A woman helps to place frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel on a young boy's head injury.

 

2. If they become sleepy, vomit or seem confused, call 999.

This could be a sign of a serious injury to the head.

A woman holds frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel over a head injury.

First aid steps for a child or baby with a head injury

This advice is for helping an adult, you can explore specific advice for children and babies:

First aid for head injuries (video)

Zeenat shares what she does when a child she is looking after has a head injury. Skip to 0:37 seconds for the key first aid steps.

Frequently asked questions about first aid for someone who has a head injury

 

What can I apply to the injury to reduce swelling and pain?

You could wrap a towel or clothing around frozen vegetables or ice and apply it to the injury.

Never place ice directly on the skin, as it’s too cold.

What is concussion?

 Concussion happens when the brain is shaken inside the skull because of a blow to the head. A person with concussion may be unresponsive for a few seconds to a few minutes. Most people make a full recovery from concussion, but occasionally it becomes more serious.  

Seek medical help if you think they have concussion.  

What are the signs and symptoms of concussion?

A person may have concussion if they:

  • are temporarily unresponsive

  • are dizzy

  • have a headache

  • are confused

  • feel sick

  • have blurred vision

  • loss of memory of what happened immediately before or during the head injury 

Should I watch a person who has a head injury to see if they have concussion?

Yes, you should watch anyone who has had a head injury for the signs of concussion. Sometimes you may not see the signs immediately. Call 999 if you suspect they have concussion.

Are there any other reasons I might need to call 999 after a head injury?

 Call 999 if:   

  • They become less responsive or unresponsive  

  • They have numbness or weakness in any part of their body  

  • They have clear fluid or blood coming from their ears or nose  

  • They have a seizure  

  • They have been in a serious accident or had a severe blow to the head.

They should also seek medical advice if:

  • They are over 65  

  • They have had a previous brain injury  

  • They are taking medicines to thin their blood  

  • They have been drinking alcohol or taking drugs  

  • There is no one to look after them  

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