NERS NEWS – Surabaya – Students from the Nursing Professional Study Program, Faculty of Nursing, Airlangga University conducted a health education activity entitled “Be Aware of Head Injuries” for people undergoing health checks at the Kalijudan Community Health Center, Surabaya. This activity aimed to increase public awareness of the dangers of head injuries and the importance of quick and appropriate treatment. The health education activity was conducted under the guidance of Academic Advisor: Mr. Aziz Nashiruddin Habibie, S.Kep., Ns., M.Kep. and Clinical Advisor: Mrs. Waji, S.Kep., Ns. Education was provided through lectures, discussions, and the distribution of leaflets so that the information could be more easily understood by the community.
The outreach explained that head injuries are mechanical injuries to the head caused by direct or indirect impacts that can cause brain tissue damage, brain membrane tears, and neurological disorders (Ichwanuddin & Nashirah, 2022). This condition is one of the leading causes of death due to trauma, requiring prompt treatment to prevent serious complications such as increased intracranial pressure and brain cell damage (Putri et al., 2023).
Students also explained that the severity of head injuries can be assessed using the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), which classifies head injuries as mild, moderate, and severe based on the patient’s level of consciousness (Ichwanuddin & Nashirah, 2022). With this knowledge, the public is expected to be more aware of warning signs such as decreased consciousness, repeated vomiting, and severe headaches after a blow to the head. In addition, the students also emphasized the importance of preventing head injuries in daily life, especially when driving. The public was reminded to always prioritize safety by wearing standard helmets when riding motorcycles, obeying traffic rules, and increasing awareness on the road to reduce the risk of head injuries due to accidents.
The outreach activity was conducted enthusiastically, and the community actively participated in the discussion session on the prevention and initial treatment of head injuries. Through this activity, it is hoped that the community can increase their awareness of the risk of head injuries and seek immediate medical attention if warning signs occur.
The implementation of this health education program is also in line with efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3, namely Good Health and Well-Being, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all age groups. Through educational activities on the dangers of head injuries, warning signs, and the importance of prevention, such as wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle, students strive to increase public awareness and knowledge of the risks of injuries that can have a serious impact on health. Promotive and preventive efforts such as this health education program are an important strategy in reducing morbidity and mortality rates due to injuries, while also supporting the creation of a society that is more aware of the importance of safety and health in everyday life.
