Head Injury: Pre-hospital

Management of the head injury patient in the pre-hospital environment
Initial management post-examination and stabilisation

Management of the head injury patient in the pre-hospital environment

Initial management post-examination and stabilisation

Immobilise the c-spine if:

• GCS <15
• Neck pain or tenderness
• Focal signs
• Paraesthesia
• Not able to test for range of motion

If cervical spine is to be immobilised place patient on 50mm thick mattress on top of the spinal board.

Monitor every 15 minutes

• GCS
• Pupil size and reactivity
• Heart rate
• Respiratory rate
• BP
• O₂ sats