Slip on the stairs

Question 1

They knocked their head on the way down. Which of these is a "red flag" that needs urgent assessment?

Accepted Answer

Brief loss of consciousness, vomiting more than once, severe or worsening headache, confusion, weakness or seizure

Answer

They felt embarrassed and have a small bump

Answer

They have a mild headache for five minutes that then settles

Answer

They didn't hit their head hard enough to make a sound

Question 2

They're conscious and answering questions. What's the right immediate care?

Accepted Answer

Sit them somewhere safe, apply something cold to the bump, keep them still and watch for any red flags over the next few hours

Answer

Send them straight to bed and let them sleep it off

Answer

Give them a strong painkiller and a stiff drink

Answer

Make them stand up and walk it off

Question 3

No red flags, but they're shaken and have a mild ongoing headache. 999, 111, or wait?

Accepted Answer

Use 111 (or the NHS 111 online service) — they'll triage and tell you whether to go to A&E, an Urgent Treatment Centre, or self-care at home

Answer

999 for any head injury, just to be safe

Answer

Wait until tomorrow and book a GP appointment

Answer

Ignore it — headaches always pass

Question 4

Their forearm is swollen, bruising fast, and they can't use it. You suspect a fracture. What do you do?

Accepted Answer

Support the injured arm in the position they found most comfortable, don't try to realign it, and arrange transport to A&E

Answer

Pull it straight so it looks normal again

Answer

Strap it tightly to a splint at full extension

Answer

Tell them to wiggle the fingers vigorously to keep blood flowing

Question 5

It turns out to be a bad sprain, not a fracture. What does the RICE method stand for?

Accepted Answer

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation

Answer

Run, Ignore, Continue, Endure

Answer

Recovery, Immobilise, Carry, Examine

Answer

Rest, Inflate, Compress, Eat

Slip on the stairs — free online first aid refresher | Brity®