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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Concussion Treatment

Call 911 if the person:

  • Is vomiting repeatedly
  • Has unequal pupils
  • Is confused
  • Has weakness on one side of the body
  • Passes out or Is unconscious for more than 1 minute
  • Is unable to wake up
  • Has a seizure

1. Prevent Swelling and Further Injury

  • Have the person stop activity and rest.
  • Apply ice wrapped in a washcloth.

2. Treat Symptoms

  • For pain, take over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol). Aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may make bruising worse.

3. Monitor Symptoms

  • If possible, stay with the person for 24 hours.

4. When to Call a Doctor

Drive the injured person to the doctor or hospital for:

  • A headache that seems to be getting worse
  • Continued vomiting
  • Increased drowsiness or dizziness
  • Increased confusion
  • Heart palpitations, seizures, or loss of consciousness
  • Neck pain after a fall

5. Follow-Up

  • Symptoms will likely improve in 7 to 10 days. If they last longer, see a doctor.

 

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Varnada Karriem-Norwood, MD on September 27, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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