What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell run, “ or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.
You can’t see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days or weeks after the injury. If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the
symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away.
Prevention
- Teach proper skating technique (head up to see surroundings, knee bend for proper balance) and how to correctly give and receive a hit (see USAHockey.com for material). This is applicable for both boys and girls.
- Helmets must fit securely around the head and be fastened tightly.
- Perform neck strengthening exercises.
- Do not allow players to play in a dangerous manner. The attitude of the coach and parent plays a role in a player’s aggressiveness.
- Teach your players about the prevention, management, and treatment of concussions.
- Encourage all players to get a baseline test performed by health care professionals. Baseline tests enable medical staff to more accurately diagnose the severity of a concussion and monitor the athlete's readiness for returning to play.
BASELINE ImPACT TESTS
If your player needs access to baseline test after suspected concussion please contact:
Jennifer Ginkel
Marketing/Referral Director & Administrative Manager
JenniferG@stopdizziness.com
952-913-2907
Action Plan for Suspected Concussion
Action Plan for Suspected Concussion
1. Remove the athlete from play.
When you suspect a player has a concussion, remove athlete from play, assess for signs and symptoms of a concussion. Keep him or her supervised if symptoms present. When in doubt, keep the athlete out of play.
2. Inform the athlete’s parents or guardians about the possible concussion and give them the fact sheet on concussion. Inform them of signs and symptoms the player is experiencing. Complete the Coaches Incident Report
3. Ensure that the athlete is evaluated by a health care professional experienced in evaluating for concussion.
Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself.
4. Keep the athlete out of play the day of the injury and until a health care professional, experienced in evaluating for concussion, says they are symptom-free and it’s OK to return to play.
Physician Return to Play Permission forms needs to be completed and returned to coach and safety manger prior to returning to play.