Minor Bump to Head: Bump With No Symptoms

A minor bump to the head is common in children. If a child is asymptomatic: no bruising, swelling, abrasion, mark of any kind, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and the child appears well, then the incident will be treated as a “bump” rather than a “head injury”.

Action to be taken:

• Child to be assessed by a First Aider
• Apply cold compress
• Complete first aid slip with details of incident
• Report to Teacher/adult in class
• A responsible adult MUST be spoken to at the end of the day, and the first aid slip handed to them.

Minor Head Injury: Bump, Bruises, Red Mark or Swelling

A minor head injury often causes bumps, swellings or bruises on the exterior of the head and again is a frequent occurrence in the school playground.

Action to be taken:

• Child to be assessed by a First Aider
• Apply cold compress
• Complete first aid slip with details of incident
• A responsible adult will be contacted via telephone by the first aider. If a responsible adult cannot be reached for any reason, a text will be sent
• A first aid slip will be sent home

Serious Head Injury

For larger bumps or bruising: a responsible adult will be contacted and asked to take the child home to be looked after. In these cases an additional accident form is completed by the first aider.

Note: For all bumps to the head please seek medical advice if any of following symptoms are noticed over the following 24 hours, problems with understanding, speaking, reading or writing, or any problems with memory, vomiting or sickness, any convulsions, or any change in behaviour.

Please visit the NHS website for more information on Head Injuries and Concussion