Concussion In Sports
In general, how long should the return to play process take for an student to complete?
A week or more.
When can concussions occur?
In any organized or unorganized recreational sport or activity.
If a student returns to sports while still recovering from a concussion, it may:
Put the student at risk for more serious injury. Take longer for the student to feel better.
What is the first thing you should do as a coach when one of your students has sustained a bump or blow to the head or body and isn't acting right?
Remove the student from play and look for signs and symptoms of a concussion.
How can you help prevent concussions?
Talking to students about ways to lower the chance for hits to the head.
Which of the following would indicate a medical emergency that requires activating EMS/calling 9-1-1?
The student lost consciousness, is vomiting persistently and seems to become increasingly more confused and restless.
Which of the following are symptoms of a concussion that a student may describe?
The student states the lights hurt their eyes, they feel confused and complain of a headache.
How can a concussion be identified?
Watching for different types of signs or symptoms after a student gets a hit to the head or body.
The student shall be removed from play and the student's parents should be alerted about a possible concussion immediately following the game or practice - before allowing the child to go home. What other elements make up "HEADS UP" Action Plan?
Ensure that the participant is evaluated by a health care professional. Keep the participant out of play the day of the injury and until an appropriate health care professional says the player is symptom-free and it's OK to return to play.
