Follow General Trauma Protocol.
Cover open wounds with sterile dressing.
Apply direct pressure to control bleeding.
Transport with head elevated at 200 if this can be accomplished safely with cervical spine stabilization.
Monitor neurologic status at regular intervals until arrival at medical facility. Be aware of signs of impending herniation:
a. Decreasing alertness
b. Unequal pupils
c. Unilateral decorticate or decerebrate posturing
If present, begin hyperventilating patient at 24 – 28 breaths per minute. (Do not automatically hyperventilate every head trauma patient.)
If hypotension develops, search for other occult injuries.
If isolated head injury, do not use pain medication. However, if the patient has other injuries requiring pain control, contact Medical Control.