Skull fracture

Alternative names:

basilar skull fracture; depressed skull fracture; fracture - skull; linear skull fracture

First aid:

1. Check the airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
   
   
2. Avoid moving the victim (unless absolutely necessary) until medical help arrives. Instruct someone to call 911 (or other emergency number) for medical assistance.
   
   
3. If the victim must be moved, take care to stabilize the head and neck. Place your hands on both sides of the head and under the shoulders. Do not allow the head to bend forward or backward or to twist or turn.
   
   
4. Carefully check the site of injury, , but do not probe in or around the site with a foreign object. It can be difficult to ascertain accurately if the skull is fractured or depressed (dented in) at the site of injury.
   
   
5. If bleeding, apply firm pressure with a clean cloth to control blood loss over a broad area.



6. If blood soaks through, do not remove the original cloth; rather, apply additional cloths on top and continue to apply pressure.
   
   
7. If the victim is vomiting, stabilize the head and neck and carefully turn the victim to the side to prevent choking on vomit.
   
   
8. If the victim is conscious and experiencing any of the previously listed symptoms, even though not requiring emergency medical assistance at the site, transport to the nearest emergency medical facility.

Do not:

• DO NOT move the victim unless absolutely necessary (head injuries may be associated with spinal injuries).



• DO NOT remove protruding objects.



• DO NOT allow the victim to continue to engage in physical activities.



• DO NOT forget to closely observe the victim until medical help arrives.



• DO NOT give the victim any medications before consulting a physician.



• DO NOT leave the victim alone, even if there are no complaints or obvious injuries.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• Problems with breathing or circulation occur.



• Bleeding from the nose, ear(s), or wound does not stop with direct pressure.



• There is an object protruding from the skull.



• The victim is unconscious, is experiencing convulsions, has multiple injuries, appears to be in any distress, or is not lucid.

Update Date: 10/08/99

Updated by: adam.com editorial