Head Injury and Concussion First Aid: Danger Signs to Watch For

Most knocks to the head are minor, but a few hide bleeding inside the skull that shows itself hours later. Knowing the danger signs — and knowing when not to move someone — is covered on the first aid course.

Danger signs

• Knocked out, even briefly.
• Vomiting more than once.
• Getting more confused or sleepy.
• Severe or worsening headache.
• Seizure — see seizure first aid.
• Unequal pupils, blood or clear fluid from ears or nose.
• Slurred speech, weakness or numbness.

Concussion

Headache, dizziness, feeling dazed, memory gaps and sensitivity to light after a knock suggest concussion. No return to sport that day; get a medical check. See sports first aid.

Suspected spinal injury

After a fall from height, a diving injury or a road collision, assume the neck may be injured. Ask the person to keep still, and keep them still yourself unless they are in danger or you must roll them to keep the airway clear.

Scalp wounds

They bleed heavily. Press firmly with a dressing — unless you feel a dent or bone, in which case press gently around the edges.

Children

Watch for unusual drowsiness, crying that cannot be settled, vomiting, or not behaving normally. See first aid for parents.

Watching after a minor knock

Someone should stay with them for at least the rest of the day and seek help if any danger sign appears.

This guide summarises first aid for the public and does not replace training or medical advice. In an emergency in the UAE call 998 for an ambulance.

More First Aid guides: Emergency-by-emergency first aid

• First Aid Course in Abu Dhabi — dates, format and booking
• Severe Bleeding First Aid: Pressure, Tourniquets and Packing
• Burns First Aid: Cool, Cover, and When a Burn Needs Hospital
• Heat Stroke vs Heat Exhaustion: First Aid for UAE Summers
• Anaphylaxis First Aid: Recognising a Severe Allergic Reaction
• Asthma Attack First Aid: Helping With a Reliever Inhaler
• Heart Attack First Aid: Warning Signs and What to Do
• Stroke First Aid: The FAST Test and Why Time Matters
• Seizure First Aid: Keep Them Safe, Time It, and When to Call 998
• Low Blood Sugar First Aid: Helping in a Diabetic Emergency
• Fainting First Aid: What to Do Before and After Someone Faints
• Fractures and Sprains First Aid: Support, Cold and When to Call
• Poisoning First Aid: Swallowed, Inhaled and Skin Exposures
• Bites and Stings First Aid: Scorpions, Snakes, Bees and Jellyfish
• Drowning First Aid: Safe Rescue, Breathing and Pool Safety
• Eye Injury First Aid: Chemicals, Dust and Objects in the Eye
• Electric Shock First Aid: Make It Safe Before You Touch
• First Aid Kit Checklist for Home, Car and Workplace
• All First Aid guides, by topic

Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · PALS Course · Training calendar

Frequently asked questions

When is a head injury an emergency?

Loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizure, worsening headache, confusion, drowsiness or fluid from ears or nose.

What are the signs of concussion?

Headache, dizziness, feeling dazed, memory gaps and sensitivity to light.

Can someone with concussion return to sport?

Not the same day; they need a medical check.

Should I move someone with a suspected neck injury?

Not unless they are in danger.

How long should someone be watched after a head knock?

At least the rest of the day.

Sources and further reading

What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.

• Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED — American Heart Association
• CPR and ECC Guidelines — American Heart Association

Last reviewed 21 September 2026 by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.