Health Hub Report

HEAD INJURIES

What is a Head Injury?

A head injury is a knock to the head. It can be mild, resulting in a small lump or bruise, or it can be more serious, leading to concussion.

What are symptoms of Head injuries?

Symptoms of a minor head injury include a bump or bruise, nausea, a mild headache, and dizziness. If your child is now alert and interacts with you, and is otherwise normal, it may be a mild head injury.

Why are you contacted by First Aid when your child has a head injury?

As a courtesy you are contacted by first aid for every head injury your child has at school as you need to watch your child closely for 24-48 hours after all head injuries. Head injuries can worsen over 24 hours. 

How to treat a Head Injury at Home?

If you are at home, you can treat your child’s minor head injury by asking them to sit quietly and applying an icepack 20 mins on the bump for each hour while your child is awake. You need to watch your child closely for 24-48 hours. You can give your child paracetamol, but not other painkillers.  After a head injury, the most important treatment is complete physical and mental rest. That means not using computer screens, playing video games, or studying or playing sport for at least 24 to 48 hours. 

When to see a Doctor with a Head Injury?

When your child develops any other new symptoms, or you become increasingly concerned about your child?

MEDICATIONS

At times during the school year a child may need to take medication such as antibiotics, allergy medications or other medications.  If this is the case the parent will need to come to the office or First Aid and complete a Medication Authority Form.  The medication must be in its original packaging and labelled with a sticker from the pharmacy with the students details and the medication name and the directions of administration from the Doctor.  The medication should not be expired and if it needs to be refrigerated to please let the office staff know so we can put this in the fridge.   

SPARE CLOTHES

With winter arriving can you please remember to put a change of clothes in your child’s bag as there is limited supply in Sick Bay.  If any family has tracksuit pants at home that they no longer require, please feel free to send them to us, especially if they are small sizes.