FIRST RESPONDER FOR YOUR OWN HEAD INJURY BY GREG VEREGIN, YUKON EQUIPMENT COORDINATOR ‘15
A patch of ice, a spinning car and a rock wall left me with a concussion. The first responders were well intentioned but not well trained. Here are some things I learned. As a patient: Things happen fast, a clear understanding of what happened may be elusive. I remember some details but not others. Clearly communicate what you remember. Things happened fast. I shared with first responders that I hit my head and that I did not think I was unconscious. Get thoroughly checked by first responders. Neck, shoulder and rib pain were immediate but nausea and headaches, the early symptoms of my concussion, developed later. Get help if you experience symptoms. I thought I was fine and self-treated with ibuprofen. Seeing a doctor would have been a reasonable precaution. Thank your responders. There are
Demonstrating proper head splinting technique. Travis Welch
legitimate dangers involved in getting to the patient and getting back safely. A simple please or thank you can go a long way. As a responder: Do a thorough and complete patient assessment for all patients. I was A+Ox4 after the accident but the first responders on scene did not check my vital signs. It is important to have a baseline for reference in case vitals
A patient at the scene of an accident. NOLS Archives
change over time. Empathize with the patient. I have a better understanding of why patients become irritated with the repetition of questions throughout the patient assessment. Maintain a positive attitude towards the patient. Be kind and compassionate. Tone of voice, body language, vocabulary, and lines of questioning can influence a patient’s cooperation and willingness to be open and honest about what happened, and how they are feeling. Engage the patient. My incident occurred while traveling solo in unfamiliar territory, and I felt overwhelmed and alone. Knowing a first responder was concerned with my well-being would have been a huge comfort. My NOLS Wilderness Medicine training helped me to seek treatment when my symptoms of concussion persisted. I highly recommend taking a course, as you never know when your first aid skills will be called upon.
WILDERNESS MEDICINE QUIZ TRUE OR FALSE? It is appropriate to try to restrain a patient having a seizure. Answer on page 27.
Summer 2016
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