Conan O'Brien Falls for Teri Hatcher

Last weekend was one big headache. At least for "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien. In an opening stunt Friday night, a mock triathlon race with "Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher, O'Brien hit the finish line in pure banana peel slip style. Conan's feet went completely out from under him, landing flatly with the back of his head hitting the hard stage floor first. Conan O'Brien and Hatcher were both stunned, and the audience let out a gasp.

Obviously woozy, O'Brien continued on without missing a beat, "Can we have a slow motion replay of that please..." Conan's words were slurred and he looked like he had actually finished a triathlon.

View the video here at the Huffington Post

Conan O'Brien filled us in on his fall and head injury Monday night when he returned after canceling the rest of the taping Friday. I have to admit, I kept waiting for the punchline as the story became more serious. Conan was taken to Mt Cedar-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles where he was treated for a slight concussion and released. O'Brien's details on the questions they asked him were the only funny part of the story.

"I swear the last question was 'How many nickels in $1.35'... I don't know that ever!" said Conan. Co-host and friend Andy Richter told Conan, "...there were a lot of pictures taken of your penis... I think they put sunglasses on it too." Needless to say, both were feeling better about Conan's fall.

If you or someone you know suffers a head injury:

Calm down the injured person.

Talk out aloud to yourself if you are alone.

Seek medical attention immediately if:
The injured person shows signs of slurred speech (Conan O'Brien was obviously slurring)
Ask simple questions: What day is it? Who is the President? What are family member names?

Do not move an unconscious person with a head injury. There may also be a spinal or neck injury.

Beware of vomiting. Often head injuries result in immediate vomiting, so be ready. Seek medical attention immediately if more than once.

Stay calm. Whether you are the injured person or not, staying calm will keep your brain on track and your heart rate in check. There will be plenty of time to freak out later.

Accidents can and do happen, as witnessed by Conan O'Brien's Friday night audience. Conan's fall could happen in any kitchen with a tile floor. All we can do is know how to react if and when there is an accident. O'Brien's staff was immediately on the scene with paramedics. Keeping your head when someone hits theirs is the most important thing... though Andy Richter would probably say the camera is.

Sources:
Signs of a concussion
Medline Plus
A service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health

When to Seek Medical Care
EMedicineHealth

Head Injuries: What to Watch for Afterward
FamilyDoctor.org