Headaches are extremely common and typically nothing more than annoying. They usually respond to over the counter analgesics. As first aiders however we should never disregard the potential for a patients headache to be more serious than it first appears especially if the patient has come to you requesting assistance.
A few key points to remember:
- has the headache come on following a blow to the head ? if yes, the patient should seek medical assistance
- is the headache different from past headaches ? if yes, the patient should seek medical assistance
- has the patient any other symptoms. (Remember the FAST accronym) eg facial or limb weakness, speech difficulties – slurring of speech etc ? . If yes, the patient should seek medical assistance
