Head wounds

Wounds to the head are usually caused by a direct blow to the head from an object such as a bat, ball or racquet, or by another person, such as a foot, elbow or fist.

If the blow is hard enough to rupture the skin, the athlete may have an associated concussion and should be referred to a doctor for appropriate management.

Management

• Apply pressure to stop bleeding using a combine dressing if possible.
• Protect yourself by wearing gloves.
• Remove athlete from the field.
• Assess the wound.
• Clean the wound.
• Apply an appropriate dressing - use wound closure strips or a nonstick wound pad. Apply a crepe or cohesive dressing to keep the underlying dressing in place.
• Refer to a doctor if;
  • wound requires suturing ("stitches")
  • all facial wounds for cosmetic reasons
  • suspicion of concussion
  • any wound you are unsure of.