Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

6 Medical Emergencies

Headache A headache can be a symptom of another medical condition or it can be a neurological condition. Millions of people have headaches every year. Only a small percentage of these are caused by a serious medical condition. Most headaches, although they can be painful, are harmless and do not require medical personnel. However, since a headache can be caused by a hemorrhage (aneurysm) in the brain, or other life threatening condition such as an infection of the central nervous system, any patient who experiences a sudden, severe headache or a headache with other signs and symptoms should be considered a serious emergency. Headaches with a fever, seizure, AMS or following a head injury should be assessed by medical personnel. Multiple patients experiencing headaches can mean carbon monoxide poisoning or other environmental poisoning.

Patient suffering a severe headache

Headaches due to tension, migraines, or sinus pressure, although debilitating, are not considered life threatening. First aid for these headaches is supportive. Always assess the patient for other signs and symptoms that can indicate a more serious problem.

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