Bumped Heads Protocol
A minor bump to the head is common in children, particularly those of infant school age. If a child is asymptomatic with 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 “minor head injury” which often causes bumps, swellings or bruises on the exterior of the head and again is a frequent occurrence in the school playground.
- Bump With No Symptoms = “Bump” to Head
If a child is asymptomatic: no bruising, swelling, abrasion, mark of any kind, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and the child appears well:
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
- Parent MUST be spoken to at the end of the day, first aid slip given to them.
- Bump, Bruises, Red Mark or Swelling = “Minor Head Injury”
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
- Parent/ carer will be contacted via telephone. If the parent/carer cannot be reached for any reason, a text will be sent
- A first aid slip will be sent home
- For larger bumps or bruising; the parents will be contacted and asked to take the child home to look after.
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.
