In a case like this, closed head injuries are always a big risk. The can rapidly escalate the severity of the situation.

In an emergent situation, a couple of things to LOOK FOR:

-If a patient had a Loss of Consciousness, (as evidenced by self report or witness report) It merits a trip to the ER as the only way to really clear someone is an MRI or CT scan.

-Assess level of consciousness, what is their level of orientation? Do they know who they are, what the date and time is, Who is the president, etc. Are their pupils Equal Round and Reactive? If one pupil is significantly larger or smaller than the other, It merits a trip to the ER. If they are disoriented, the need to go.

-Are they able to move all their limbs? Are their grip strengths and foot strengths intact and roughly equal?

-Similarly, If there is any visible head trauma, they need to go to the ER.

But in the case of the bicyclist there is also a good chance for a spinal cord injury.

WesleyH

RN BSN REMTP