British Red Cross: First Aid for a Head Injury

British Red Cross: First Aid for a Head Injury

As the weather becomes wetter and temperatures begin to fall, outdoor play can become a little more hazardous for the children in your care. Slippery surfaces increase the risk of slips or tumbles, which could lead to a bang to the head. A child with a head injury may be in pain or have a headache. There may be a lump on their head, and they may look pale.

Here’s how to help if a child in your care suffers a head injury:

1. Make sure they 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 child has a blow to the head, their brain can be shaken inside the skull. This may cause a more serious head injury or concussion, which may make them feel sick or drowsy. 

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

This could be a sign of a serious injury to the head. If you can't call 999, get someone else to do it.

Paediatric first aid training

Our two-day EYFS compliant first aid course is ideal for people who work with young children, such as nursery staff or childminders. Book online today!  

Don't forget, if you're a Morton Michel policyholder, you can get a 10% discount on the British Red Cross's paediatric first aid courses via our exclusive ChildCare Club.

Please note, the information in this article is provided by the British Red Cross and does not represent the views or opinions of Morton Michel.