Concussion First Aid

Concussion First Aid

Concussion First Aid – Introduction

This section provides clear and practical information on Concussion First Aid for people in Canada. It is designed to help you understand what to do safely at home if someone may have a concussion. This is not a full medical training manual but a guide to first aid and prevention.

A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body. Recognizing and responding quickly can reduce risks and support recovery. Knowing When To Seek urgent medical care is essential.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

What You Can Do at Home

• Keep the person awake and calm for a short time after the injury.
• Encourage rest and avoid activities that could cause another head injury.
• Watch for symptoms like headache, dizziness, confusion, or nausea.
• Use a quiet, comfortable environment to help recovery.

What to Avoid

• Do not give the person any medication without advice from a healthcare provider.
• Avoid physical or mental activities that worsen symptoms.
• Do not leave the person alone if symptoms are severe or worsening.

When to Call 911 or Seek Urgent Care

• If the person loses consciousness, even briefly.
• If they have repeated vomiting, seizures, or worsening headache.
• If they show confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking, or uneven pupils.
• If symptoms rapidly worsen or do not improve within a few hours.

Concussion First Aid – Key facts

• A concussion is a mild brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head or body.
• Common signs include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and temporary memory loss.
• After a suspected concussion, it is safe to rest quietly at home but avoid activities that risk another head injury.
• Do not give any medications without consulting a healthcare provider, and avoid alcohol or sedatives.
• Watch closely for worsening symptoms such as repeated vomiting, severe headache, weakness, difficulty waking, or seizures; if these occur, call 911 immediately.
• Seek urgent care if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours or if there is any loss of consciousness, confusion, or balance problems.
• Concussion first aid focuses on monitoring, rest, and preventing further injury until a healthcare professional evaluates the person.

Concussion First Aid – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Concussion First Aid starts with knowing the typical symptoms and understanding when to seek urgent help. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and recognising danger signs is crucial for safety.

Mild symptoms

At home, watch for headaches, dizziness, nausea, or feeling confused. These symptoms often improve with rest and avoiding physical or mental strain. It is safe to monitor these symptoms closely but avoid activities that risk another head injury. See also: [symptom monitoring after head injury]

Moderate symptoms

If symptoms include persistent vomiting, worsening headache, difficulty concentrating, or increased irritability, these suggest a more serious concussion. You should contact a healthcare provider promptly for assessment. Do not drive yourself if feeling unwell; ask someone to assist you.

Severe symptoms and red flags

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if any of the following occur:

• Loss of consciousness lasting more than a few seconds
• Seizures or convulsions
• Repeated vomiting
• Severe or worsening headache
• Confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving limbs
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Unequal pupil size or vision changes

These signs indicate a medical emergency and require immediate professional care. When in doubt, it is safer to seek urgent evaluation rather than delay treatment.

Concussion First Aid – Immediate first aid steps

If you suspect a concussion, quick and careful action can help reduce risks. Follow these safe steps while waiting for medical help or deciding if urgent care is needed.

What you can do at home or in the community

• Help the person sit or lie down in a safe, quiet place.
• Encourage them to rest and avoid any physical or mental strain.
• Monitor their breathing and level of consciousness closely.
• Apply a cold compress gently to reduce any headache or swelling, but do not apply ice directly to the skin.
• Keep the person calm and reassure them to reduce anxiety.
• Do not give any medication unless advised by a healthcare professional.

What to avoid

• Do not let the person drive or operate machinery.
• Avoid giving food, drink, or medication if the person is drowsy or vomiting.
• Do not leave the person alone if they show any concerning symptoms.
• Never try to diagnose or treat the concussion yourself beyond basic first aid.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Call 911 immediately if the person:

• Has difficulty breathing or is unconscious.
• Shows repeated vomiting or worsening headache.
• Has seizures, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.
• Becomes increasingly confused, restless, or difficult to wake.

For any other concussion symptoms, seek urgent care or visit the emergency department promptly. Early assessment is important to prevent complications. See also: [emergency response for head injuries]

Concussion First Aid – What NOT to do

When providing concussion first aid, certain actions can make the injury worse or delay recovery. Avoid these common mistakes to keep the person safe.

Do NOT ignore symptoms

• Do not assume the person is fine if they seem awake or alert. Symptoms can develop or worsen over time.
• Do not let the person drive or operate machinery until fully cleared by a healthcare professional.

Do NOT give medications without advice

• Avoid giving aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, as they can increase bleeding risk.
• Do not give any medication without first consulting a healthcare provider or poison control.

Do NOT leave the person alone if symptoms worsen

• Do not leave someone with a suspected concussion alone, especially during the first 24 hours.
• If the person develops severe headache, repeated vomiting, seizures, weakness, confusion, or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.

Do NOT rely on myths or unproven treatments

• Avoid using home remedies or alternative therapies that lack scientific support.
• Do not encourage excessive physical or mental activity until a healthcare provider advises it is safe.

Concussion First Aid – When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Knowing when to call 911 or seek urgent care is vital for effective Concussion First Aid. Some symptoms require immediate emergency attention, while others can be assessed by a family doctor or at a walk-in clinic.

Call 911 immediately if the person has:

• Lost consciousness, even briefly
• Difficulty breathing or irregular breathing
• Severe or worsening headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Seizures or convulsions
• Confusion, agitation, or unusual behaviour
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving limbs
• Slurred speech or difficulty understanding speech
• Bleeding or clear fluid from the nose or ears
• Unequal pupil size or vision changes

Go to the emergency department if the person:

• Has a moderate headache that does not improve
• Feels very drowsy or cannot be awakened easily
• Has persistent dizziness or balance problems
• Shows signs of worsening confusion or memory loss
• Has a history of bleeding disorders or is on blood thinners

Visit a walk-in clinic or family doctor if the person:

• Has mild concussion symptoms such as headache, mild dizziness, or nausea
• Is alert and able to communicate clearly
• Has no worsening symptoms after a few hours of rest

Always monitor the person closely for any changes. When in doubt, it is safer to seek emergency care. Prompt action can prevent complications and support recovery from concussion first aid. See also: [follow-up care after concussion]

Concussion First Aid – Ongoing care and follow-up

After the initial event, careful monitoring is essential to ensure recovery and detect any delayed problems. Concussion First Aid includes rest, gradual return to normal activities, and watching for warning signs that need urgent attention.

At-home care

• Rest both physically and mentally for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Avoid activities that require intense concentration, such as screen time or reading, until symptoms improve.
• Gradually increase activity levels as tolerated, but stop if symptoms worsen.
• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals to support healing.
• Sleep is important; allow yourself to rest but wake periodically to check responsiveness if advised by a healthcare provider.

What to avoid

• Do not return to sports or strenuous activities until cleared by a healthcare professional.
• Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and medications that may increase drowsiness unless prescribed.
• Do not drive or operate machinery while symptoms persist.

When to seek medical follow-up

Book an appointment with a doctor within a few days after the injury, especially if symptoms persist or worsen. Immediate medical attention is required if any of the following occur:

• Severe or worsening headache
• Repeated vomiting
• Confusion, difficulty waking, or loss of consciousness
• Seizures or weakness in limbs
• Unusual behaviour or increasing irritability

If any life-threatening or rapidly worsening symptoms develop, call 911 or your local emergency services without delay. Early and careful follow-up helps ensure a safe recovery from concussion.

Concussion First Aid – Prevention tips

Preventing head injuries is key to reducing the risk of concussion. Simple steps at home, work, school, and in the community can help keep everyone safer. Using the right safety equipment and adopting good habits are effective ways to protect yourself and others.

At home

• Keep floors clear of clutter and secure loose rugs to prevent falls.
• Install grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on stairs for extra support.
• Ensure good lighting in all rooms and hallways to avoid trips and bumps.

At work and school

• Wear appropriate helmets or head protection when required, such as in construction or sports.
• Follow safety protocols and use equipment correctly to reduce injury risk.
• Encourage regular breaks to stay alert and avoid accidents caused by fatigue.

In the community

• Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals when walking or cycling.
• Wear helmets when biking, skating, or using scooters.
• Support community efforts to improve playground safety and road conditions.

Remember, concussion first aid starts with prevention. If a head injury occurs, watch for symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Call 911 or seek emergency care immediately if symptoms worsen or if the person is unresponsive. When in doubt, it is safer to get a professional assessment.

Concussion First Aid – FAQs

What should I do if I suspect a concussion?

If you think someone has a concussion, help them rest in a quiet, comfortable place. Avoid bright lights and loud noises. Do not let them drive or use heavy machinery. Monitor their symptoms closely.

When is it safe to stay home after a concussion?

It is safe to stay home if symptoms are mild and stable, such as a mild headache or slight dizziness. Rest is important, but encourage gentle mental and physical activity as tolerated. Avoid screens and strenuous exercise initially.

What should I avoid doing after a concussion?

• Do not give alcohol or sedatives.
• Avoid physical activities that risk another head injury.
• Do not ignore worsening symptoms or confusion.

When should I call 911 or seek urgent care?

Call 911 immediately if the person has:

• Loss of consciousness lasting more than a minute
• Repeated vomiting
• Severe headache or worsening confusion
• Seizures or weakness on one side of the body
• Difficulty breathing or unusual behaviour

How can I help prevent concussions?

Use proper safety gear during sports and activities. Always wear a helmet when cycling or skating. Ensure living spaces are free of tripping hazards to reduce falls.

Concussion First Aid – Summary

Concussion First Aid involves careful observation and simple steps to support recovery while ensuring safety. At home, rest and avoiding activities that risk another head injury are safe and important. Do not give medications that affect alertness without medical advice. Avoid driving or operating machinery until cleared by a healthcare professional.

Watch closely for symptoms such as worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, difficulty waking, or weakness. These signs require immediate medical attention. If any life-threatening or rapidly worsening symptoms appear, call 911 or your local emergency services without delay.

When in doubt, seek urgent care or visit the emergency department. Early assessment by a healthcare provider helps prevent complications and guides safe recovery. Remember, prompt action and cautious care are key to managing a concussion safely.

Concussion First Aid – External Resources

• Health Canada – Concussion Information
• Mayo Clinic – Concussion Overview
• World Health Organization – Head Injury Facts
• Canadian Red Cross – Head Injuries

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.