Bleeding from a minor head wound: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if:
Bleeding is heavy, spurting, or cannot be controlled with pressure
An object is embedded in the wound
You can see bone or the head appears dented
The person is unconscious, difficult to wake, or has a seizure
There is weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or loss of balance
Clear fluid or blood is draining from the nose or ears
The injury followed a high-speed impact or fall from a significant height
Place padding around the area without removing anything and wait for emergency help.
And for anyone, someone who:
has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek same-day care if bleeding continues after 10 minutes of firm, continuous pressure.
Get prompt advice if the cut is deep or gaping, is on the eyelid, contains dirt or glass, was caused by a bite, or may need closure.
After a blow to the head, contact urgent care for vomiting, worsening headache, confusion, memory loss, unusual drowsiness, or changed behaviour.
Get advice after any head injury if you take blood-thinning medicine or have a bleeding disorder.
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, worsening pain, or fever may indicate infection and needs prompt assessment.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
has a new severe headache unlike any they have had before
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Book a routine appointment if the wound repeatedly reopens, is not healing, or you are unsure whether your tetanus protection is current.
The article also says
Do not press directly on an embedded object, exposed bone, or suspected skull fracture.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bleeding from a minor head wound. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.