2009-11-19 - Rider Down, Bethnal Green

yes concussion is very dangerous for a number of reasons - you can't differentiate it very easily from compression (a more extreme version of swelling in the skull) and you often can't differentiate it from being a bit drunk. If you've taken a knock to the head on concrete, go straight to hospital, do not pass go, do not collect £200. If you can't get straight to hospital, you need to be very careful in the following hours:

• always be around other people, preferably people you trust, but if not then stay in public places (but not parks - if you konk out they might think you're a drunk). generally always make sure someone else knows where you are
  
• don't go to sleep (especially if you feel sleepy)
  
• don't drink alcohol or operate machinery (duh!)
  
• it might sound gross, but if you need the toilet, don't lock the door
  
• keep your sugars and fluids high
  
• get to hospital asap
  
  

if you see someone get knocked out and they come round, take a look at them very carefully:

• is one pupil noticeably bigger than the other? if so, they're majorly in the shit, call 999 straight away and tell the operator they have suspected compression.
  
• are they not breathing normally? are they pale, clammy, weak? slipping in and out of consciousness? if so, they might be in shock - lie them down, wrap them up and elevate their legs. if need be, hug them to give them some of your body heat. don't try to move them, and call 999. Keep talking to them and encourage them to respnd to you. pinch them (seriously! :D ) to keep them conscious.
  
• check for other injuries (especially on the torso and limbs) - often the adrenaline rush that you get in an accident (esp involving head injuries) can mask pain you feel elsewhere on your body.
  
  

send them to hospital and if in doubt, escort them to hospital personally.