What is the recommended approach to suspected head injury on board?

• A. Move the patient to improve comfort.
• B. Monitor for confusion, vomiting, loss of consciousness; avoid moving the patient and call EMS if red flags appear.
• C. Give pain medication and continue.
• D. Ignore until symptoms worsen.

Answer: (B)

When there’s a suspected head injury on board, the priority is to prevent movement that could worsen a brain or spine injury. The safest approach is to keep the person still, monitor for signs of deterioration such as confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness, and summon Emergency Medical Services promptly if those red flags appear. While waiting for help, maintain airway and breathing, keep the patient calm and as still as possible, and coordinate with the crew to arrange medical evaluation and possible evacuation. Moving the patient to improve comfort, giving pain meds and continuing, or ignoring symptoms can mask problems or allow a potentially serious injury to worsen. Hence, the best course is to avoid moving the patient and seek professional assessment right away.