What is the priority intervention for a patient with a fixed and dilated pupil after a fall?

In the scenario where a patient presents with a fixed and dilated pupil after a fall, the priority intervention is to take the patient straight to a CT scan. A fixed and dilated pupil can indicate significant intracranial injury or increased intracranial pressure, which can be life-threatening conditions such as a hematoma or brain bleeds resulting from the fall.

Timely imaging is crucial in these situations to assess for any damage that may require immediate intervention, such as neurosurgery. The rapid identification of any possible intracranial injury can be the difference in patient outcomes. Imaging will guide further treatment decisions and the overall management of the patient.

Gathering an accurate history from family or obtaining IV access can be important in overall patient management but should not precede the need for urgent imaging when neurological signs indicate a possible critical injury. Positioning the patient on their side could also be beneficial for airway management but does not address the immediate need for diagnostic imaging in the context of a potential intracranial emergency. Thus, taking the patient directly to a CT scan prioritizes addressing potentially life-threatening conditions effectively.