Concussion Identification, Management and Prevention for Volunteer Coaches

1Concussion Training Webinar – June 2015

Concussion Identification Management

and Prevention


Concussion Identification

and Prevention for Volunteer

Coaches


Purpose of Training Module• to provide volunteer coaches with the information needed to

identify a suspected concussion

• to outline the process that is to be followed by volunteer coaches in the event that a student is suspected of sustaining a concussion


Learning GoalsParticipants will:• increase awareness of concussions (definition, signs and

symptoms) and the seriousness of concussions;• become familiar with strategies for concussion prevention;• learn how to recognize the symptoms of a suspected

concussion;• be prepared to respond appropriately when a student has

sustained a suspected concussion


What is a Concussion?

A concussion:• is a brain injury that causes changes in how the

brain functions, leading to symptoms that can be physical (e.g., headache, dizziness), cognitive (e.g., difficulty concentrating or remembering), emotional/behavioural (e.g., depression, irritability) and/or related to sleep (e.g., drowsiness, difficulty falling asleep).


What is a Concussion? cont’d.

A concussion:• may be caused either by a direct blow to the

head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that transmits a force to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull;

• can occur even if there has been no loss of consciousness (in fact most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness); and,

• cannot normally be seen on X-rays, standard CT scans or MRIs.


• Teachers/volunteer coaches/intramural supervisors must become familiar with the common signs and symptoms of a concussion.

• Note… Only a Physician/Nurse Practitioner can diagnose a concussion.

• But… Teachers/volunteer coaches/intramural supervisors can recognize signs and symptoms of suspected concussion and inform parents/guardians of the importance of evaluation by a Physician/Nurse Practitioner.

Common Signs and Symptoms


PhysicalSIGNS (OBSERVED)• vomiting• slurred speech• lowed reaction time• poor coordination or balance• blank stare/glassy-eyed/dazed or vacant look• decreased playing ability• loss of consciousness or lack of

responsiveness• lying motionless on the ground or slow to get

up• amnesia• seizure or convulsion• grabbing or clutching of head

Common Signs and Symptoms (con’t)

SYMPTOMS (REPORTED)• headache• pressure in head• neck pain• feeling off/not right• ringing in the ears• seeing double or blurry/loss of vision• seeing stars, flashing lights• pain at physical site of injury• nausea/stomach ache/pain• balance problems or dizziness• fatigue or feeling tired• sensitivity to light or noise


CognitiveSIGNS (OBSERVED)• difficulty concentrating• easily distracted• general confusion• cannot remember things that happened • before and after the injury (see Quick

Memory Function Assessment)• does not know time, date, place, class,

type • of activity in which he/she was

participating• slowed reaction time (e.g., answering • questions or following directions)

Common Signs and Symptoms (con’t)

SYMPTOMS (REPORTED)• difficulty concentrating or remembering• slowed down, fatigue or low energy• dazed or in a fog

Emotional/Behavioural SYMPTOMS (REPORTED)• irritable, sad, more emotional than usual• nervous, anxious, depressed• strange or inappropriate emotions (e.g.,

laughing, crying, getting angry easily)


Initial Response – Suspected Concussion

Student:Receives a blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow

to the body that transmits a force to the head, and as a result may have suffered a concussion


Identification:

Initial Response If Student is Unconscious

Call 911Inform teacher in charge immediately


Remove student from activity

Inform teacher in charge immediately

Identification: Initial Response If Student is Conscious


Concussion Prevention

“…there is evidence that education about concussion leads to a reduction in the incidence of concussion and improved outcomes from concussion…”

(Delaney, Lacroix, Leclerc, & Johnston, 2000; Goodman & Gaetz, 2002; McCrea, Hammeke, Olsen, Leo, & Guskiewicz, 2004).

.


Concussion Prevention Cont’d

Culture of Safety Mindedness When planning and supervising activities a volunteer coach should:• be familiar with Board’s Concussion policy;• review with students;

• background concussion information, and• ways to minimize the risk of concussion while

participating in physical activities and sports.


Culture of Safety Mindedness It is important to:• Communicate with students the importance of

disclosing all injuries and symptoms• Communicate the danger of not reporting symptoms• Believe the student when they communicate their

symptoms

Concussion Prevention Cont’d


Prevention – Pre-ActivityPrior to physical activity and/or prior to the sport season teachers/volunteer coaches/intramural supervisors should:

• be knowledgeable of safe practices in the sport/activity, (e.g., rules and regulations and specific sport/activity pages in the Ophea Safety Guidelines);

• Be familiar with risks of concussion/potential injuries associated with the activity/sport and ways to minimize those risks.


Prevention – During Activity

Strategies that should be used during a game, practice or intramural activity:

• Teach skills and techniques in proper progression;• Encourage students/athletes to follow rules of play

and to practice fair play.


Remove student from activity

Inform teacher in charge immediately

The Final Word: If for any reason you suspect that a student has sustained a concussion…


Questions?• Website: safety.ophea.net• Email: [email protected]

Please click here to access the Proof of Volunteer Coach Concussion Training form that must be completed and signed and submitted to the staff member in charge.

Education

Concussion Identification, Management and Prevention for Volunteer Coaches