What is the recommended treatment step for a suspected head injury?

• A. Send to sleep
• B. Monitor airway, call EMS
• C. Apply heat to head
• D. Give water

Answer: (B)

Protecting the airway and getting professional help is the priority with a head injury. Swelling, bleeding inside the skull, or vomiting can quickly lead to breathing problems or brain damage if not managed promptly. In a sea-kayaking situation, you want to keep the person’s airway open and monitor their breathing while you arrange emergency medical services. If they become unresponsive and you’re trained, be prepared to start appropriate life-saving steps, but the main initial move is to monitor the airway, ensure they’re breathing, and call EMS so they can be transported for evaluation.

Sending them to sleep isn’t reliable or safe, since symptoms can progress and airway protection can be compromised. Applying heat to the head doesn’t address the risk or needs of a head injury. Giving water is risky if consciousness or gag reflex is impaired.