When is a head injury an automatic 911 call? Learn the critical signs of a severe head injury and when to seek emergency medical help.
I’ll never forget it when my younger brother fell off his skateboard. He wasn’t wearing a helmet (despite me nagging him to do so), and fell hard on his head. He was fine at first—just shaken. But a few minutes later, his speech was slurred, his pupils were uneven, and he started to throw up. Panic set in then.
I picked up my phone and wondered, “Do I call 911 or just take him to the ER?”
If you have ever been in a situation like that, you know just how scary it can be. Head injuries can be unpredictable. They can seem minor and get worse very fast. They can seem worse and be a mild concussion. So, when do you automatically call 911 for a head injury? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
Table of Contents
Why Head Injuries Are So Dangerous
The brain looks like a soft sponge that has a skull covering it. When you hit your head with a lot of force, your brain can bump against your skull and bruise, bleed, or swell. You may not be able to see it like you would with a cut or a broken arm.
Which is why it’s hard with head injuries. You can be “fine” and then get worse very rapidly. And in a few circumstances, it can be fatal to delay seeking assistance.
When Is a Head Injury an Automatic 911 Call?
Let’s get started. Call 911 immediately if the injured person shows any of these symptoms:
1. Loss of Consciousness (Even Temporary)
If someone faints, even for a brief second or two, it’s a red flag. It means that the brain has been exposed to some level of trauma. Even if they recover and tell you that they’re fine, don’t take a chance—get them some help.
2. Seizures or Convulsions
Seizure after a blow to the head can be a symptom of brain swelling or internal bleeding. If the person starts to violently shake, call 911 right away.
3. Repeated Vomiting
One throw-up may be due to shock, but repeated vomiting is a red flag for a brain injury. It means that the brain is in trouble and needs to be evaluated by a doctor right away.
4. Clear Fluid or Bleeding from Ears or Nose
This is a huge red flag. Clear fluid from ears or nose indicates a severe break in the skull. Blood in these areas can also indicate internal bleeding.
5. Confusion, Slurred Speech, or Difficulty Recognizing People
If someone’s acting strange, struggling to put words into sentences, or can’t recognize familiar faces, that’s a red flag. Brain injuries can interrupt cognitive functions, and even a symptom of confusion deserves a call to 911.
6. Irregular Pupils or Unable to Move the Limbs
If one pupil is considerably larger than the other, or if a person has trouble moving one side of his or her body, it can be a symptom of brain swelling or stroke-like reaction. Emergency treatment has to be given right away.
7. A Severe Deteriorating Head
A headache that gets worse with time, especially with dizziness or nausea, can be a sign that there’s rising pressure in the skull. This is a medical emergency.
8. Shortness of Breath or Slowing Heart Rate
If a person’s breathing is abnormal or his or her heart rate becomes slower, he or she may have brain stem trauma—responsible for maintaining vital functions. This can be a fatal situation.
What If He/She Appears to be Fine?
Every now and then, after a blow to the head, a person will stand up and complain that they’re okay. But here’s the issue: symptoms can be delayed.
It can take hours—or even days—before a brain injury or concussion shows symptoms. It’s best to keep a close eye on the injured person for at least 24 hours.
If you notice a change in their mood, behavior, or health, seek immediate medical care.
What About Bleeding Injuries?
Head injuries tend to bleed a lot, even in minor injuries. How do you know when to call 911 for a bleeding wound then?
Call 911 in the following circumstances:
For small cuts, disinfect the wound, apply a bandage to it, and watch for infection. But in doubt—get professional health care.
Personal Account: The Near Miss That Changed Everything
It was a few years ago when my dad fell on ice and bumped his head. He got up, shook it off, and said it was fine. But a few hours later, he started complaining about a terrible headache and blurred vision.
We rushed him to the emergency room right away, and they diagnosed a slow brain bleed. Had we waited longer, he would have had permanent brain damage—or worse.
It was a worthwhile experience: never dismiss a head injury, even when it’s “minor.”
What to Do While You Wait for the Ambulance
If you have already called 911, these steps can be followed to aid you until paramedics arrive:
✅ Keep the person still – Reduce unnecessary movement, especially in the event a neck injury has been sustained.
✅ Apply gentle pressure to injuries – Apply a cloth to stop bleeding, without applying hard pressure.
✅ Monitor breathing and awareness – If they stop breathing, perform CPR if you have been trained to do so.
✅ Stay calm and reassure them – panicking will be of no use. Make them as comfortable as you can.
FAQs
1. How can you determine whether a head injury is severe enough to call 911?
Call 911 if the injured person has a loss of consciousness, seizure, repeated vomiting, confusion, slurred speech, bleeding from the ears/nose, or asymmetrical pupils. These may be a symptom of a brain injury and require immediate medical attention.
2. Can a severe head injury be present even without a visible wound?
Yes. You can have a brain bleed, concussion, or swelling without a visible wound. Dizziness, memory loss, or personality change may not appear for hours or even days. Watch very carefully.
3. What do you do when a person has bumped their head and insists they’re fine?
Monitor them for at least 24 hours. Watch for headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or difficulty with speech. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, seek immediate medical aid.
4. When would you call 911 for a bleeding wound to the head?
Call 911 in case the bleeding is heavy, does not stop after applying pressure for 10 minutes, pulsates/spurts, or reveals bone or skull. These may be a sign of a deep injury and emergency treatment.
Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts
As a precaution, always be wary. The brain is the body’s most important organ, and even a brief delay in treating it can have huge consequences.
If you’re ever faced with a head injury situation, remember:
I hope you never have to use this information, but just in case you do, I hope it will aid you in making the right choice. Be safe, and always wear a hard hat!
Additional Resources
For further reading and expert advice on head injuries, check out these trustworthy sources:
🔹 CDC: Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussions
🔹 Mayo Clinic: Head Injury First Aid
🔹 American Red Cross: First Aid for Head Injuries
