Yes, if a patient undergoes a head injury, you should call 911 immediately, especially if there are signs of serious injury such as loss of consciousness, confusion, severe headache, vomiting, seizures, difficulty waking, or bleeding from the head, nose, or ears. Immediate emergency response is critical to address potential brain trauma and other life-threatening complications.
When to Call 911 for a Head Injury
Call emergency services right away if the injured person:
- Loses consciousness, even briefly
- Is confused, disoriented, or behaves abnormally
- Has severe or worsening headache
- Shows signs of drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Vomits repeatedly
- Experiences seizures
- Has persistent nose or ear bleeding or fluid leakage
- Has unequal pupil sizes or weakness in limbs
- Has difficulty breathing or stops breathing
- Shows signs of spinal injury or head trauma after a serious fall or car accident.
Immediate First Aid Actions
- Keep the person still, avoid moving the head or neck
- If conscious, keep calm and monitor symptoms
- Apply gentle pressure to bleeding wounds unless skull fracture is suspected
- Do not give food or drink
- If vomiting, roll the person carefully to the side maintaining head and neck stability
- Wait for medical help to arrive and monitor airway, breathing, and responsiveness.
Promptly calling 911 ensures the patient receives expert medical assessment and transportation to a hospital where brain imaging and further treatment can be provided, improving outcomes in serious head injury cases.
