What is the first step in treating a suspected head injury?

The first step in treating a suspected head injury is to stabilize the head and neck to prevent further injury. This is crucial because any movement of the head and neck can exacerbate an existing injury to the spine or brain, potentially leading to severe complications. Stabilization can prevent additional trauma and is a fundamental priority in pre-hospital care for head injuries.

Assessing the patient's responsiveness is an important part of the initial assessment, as it helps determine the level of consciousness and neurological function, but it should be conducted carefully after ensuring the patient is stabilized. Administering pain relief medication may be considered after ensuring the safety of the patient but is not a priority until the risk of further injury is mitigated. Checking vital signs is a key part of the overall assessment process, but it is secondary to the immediate need for stabilization in a head injury situation.