Which protocol is used to guide care for suspected head injuries?

• A. The protocol for head injuries.
• B. The protocol for burns.
• C. The protocol for cardiac emergencies.
• D. The protocol for submersion injuries.

Answer: (A)

When someone has a suspected head injury, use the protocol designed specifically for head injuries. This protocol provides a consistent approach to initial assessment and stabilization, prioritizing airway and breathing while protecting the spine if a neck injury is possible. It guides you to monitor neurological status (level of consciousness, pupil responses), watch for signs of deterioration, and decide when imaging or rapid transport to a trauma center is needed. It also addresses common head-injury issues such as vomiting, seizures, and signs of raised intracranial pressure, helping prevent secondary injury.

Other protocols focus on burns, cardiac emergencies, or submersion injuries and don’t cover the particular assessment steps, precautions, and management subtleties required for head trauma, so they aren’t appropriate for suspected head injuries.