If you are not sure how serious a scalp injury is, what is the recommended action?

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When you’re not sure how serious a scalp injury is, getting professional help right away is the safest approach. Head injuries can have delayed symptoms, and medical responders can assess for concussion, skull fracture, neck/spine injury, and other complications, then arrange transport if needed. Calling EMS means you’ll have trained people who can provide advanced care, and they may use an AED if the situation requires it.

While you wait, manage the situation calmly: if there’s bleeding, apply gentle direct pressure with a clean cloth to slow or stop it without pressing too hard on a suspected skull fracture area; keep the person still and monitor for changes in consciousness, confusion, severe headache, vomiting, or any loss of responsiveness. If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and use an AED as soon as it’s available.