Blunt Force Head Trauma: Field Response

In the field, operatives must often deal with unforeseen events to a myriad of risks ranging from enemy combatants to environmental hazards, including blunt force head trauma, resulting from accidents, or impacts from blunt weapons. The ability to address these incidents quickly and efficiently is crucial to the mission’s success or the survival of everyday life.

Blunt force head trauma can lead to life-threatening conditions if not treated properly. The following guide outlines the essential steps to take when faced with this situation. Among the various injuries you may encounter, blunt force head trauma is one of the most severe and requires immediate action.

There is often a lack of quick medical response or access to a medical facility, therefore, field treatment becomes crucial. This is aimed at providing the necessary tools for a covert operative or civilian who may find themselves in need of immediate response.

          Field Response

1)   Assess the Situation

Scene Safety:   First and foremost, assess the safety of the area. Your safety and that of the injured person must be the primary concern.

Evaluate the Injury:   Look for signs of head trauma, such as swelling, bleeding, or unconsciousness. Look, listen, and feel for any obvious deformities or signs of breathing difficulty.

2)   Call for Help

If possible, contact emergency services. Relay the location and situation calmly and precisely. If in a compromised (enemy / hostile territory) location, reach out to your team or headquarters for assistance.

3)   Protect the Neck and Spine

Any movement of the head and neck may cause further injury. Stabilize the head and neck by placing your hands on both sides of the head, keeping it in line with the spine.

4)   Control Bleeding

If there is visible bleeding, apply gentle pressure using a sterile bandage or clean cloth. If these are not available, use your hand.

5)   Monitor the Victim

Keep an eye on the victim’s consciousness, breathing, and other vital signs. Monitor for signs of increasing confusion, agitation, or seizures. If breathing stops, be prepared to perform CPR.

6)   Treat for Shock

Shock can exacerbate the situation. Keep the victim warm, elevate the legs if possible, and speak to them in a calm and reassuring manner.

7)   Await Professional Help

Stay with the victim until professional medical help arrives, if available. Provide the medics with a detailed report of the incident, including the cause of injury and the steps taken to treat it.

          Field Treatment

Identifying Blunt Force Head Trauma

Signs and Symptoms

Loss of consciousness:   Brief or prolonged.

Confusion or disorientation:   Difficulty remembering, speaking, or understanding.

Headache:   Intensity can vary.

Blurred Vision:   Difficulty in seeing clearly.

Nausea and Vomiting:   Especially if it worsens over time.

Motor Dysfunction:   Lack of coordination or weakness.

Field Action

Immediate Action

Diagnosis

Physical Inspection:   Look for visible injuries like lacerations, swelling, or deformities.

Cognitive Test:   If the victim is conscious, ask basic questions to assess cognitive function.

Pupillary Response:   Use a flashlight to check for pupillary response. Unequal or non-responsive pupils may indicate severe trauma.

Vitals:   If possible, monitor blood pressure and heart rate.

Note:   Accurate field assessment is not a substitute for medical evaluation but is essential for immediate treatment and can be the difference between life and death.

It’s important to emphasize that formal medical training is irreplaceable, and operatives should undergo such training if possible. These measures are a temporary solution until professional medical help is available.

Engaging in regular training exercises that simulate real-life scenarios will ensure that you are prepared to handle blunt force head trauma, regardless of the mission’s circumstances.

Your ability to handle such a situation is not only vital to the success of a mission but also to the preservation of human life. Your skills, decision-making, and prompt action can make the difference between life and death.

Always remember that constant vigilance, preparation, and readiness are essential aspects of the operative’s skillset.