Concussion Prevention and Management

Jane Alliance Neighbourhood Services

Concussion Prevention and Management Policy

This policy was approved by Jane Alliance Neighbourhood Services Board of Directors on January 28, 2015.

What is a Concussion?

A concussion can result from a blow or sudden injury to the head, face or neck. Concussions often happen after hitting your head, being in a car accident or after a sporting injury.

A concussion is a brain injury that cannot be seen on routine x-rays, CT scans or MRIs. A repeat concussion that occurs before the brain recovers from the first, can increase the chances for long term effects. In rare cases, repeat concussions can result in brain swelling or permanent brain damage. It can even be fatal.

What are the signs & symptoms?

Following a concussion, individuals may experience many different signs and symptoms. It is important to remember that some symptoms may appear right away, and some may appear many days later.

Cognitive Impairments include:

• Does not know time, date, place

• General confusion

• Cannot remember things that happened before and after the injury

• Knocked out

Physical Impairments include:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Fools Dazed

• Feels drugged, or stunned

• Sees stars, flashing lights

• Ringing in the ears

• Sleepiness

• Loss of vision

• Sees double or blurry

• Stomach-ache, pain, nausea

Other Impairments include:

• Poor coordination or balance

• Blank stare/glassy eyed

• Vomiting

• Slurred speech

• Slow to answer questions or follow directions

• Easily distracted

• Poor concentration

• Strange or inappropriate emotions (laughing, crying)

• Not playing as well

Be alert for symptoms that worsen over time. Seek medical attention if you experience:

• One pupil larger than the other

• Drowsiness or cannot be awakened

• A headache that gets worse but does not go away

• Convulsions or seizures

• Difficulty recognizing people or places

• Loss of consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)

What you should do if you think you have a Concussion

1. Immediately remove yourself from the activity and tell someone; a coach/instructor, employer or family member.

2. Seek medical attention right away.

3. The most important treatment is rest. Take the time to get better.

The signs and symptoms of a concussion often last for 7-10 days but may last much longer. Previous concussions may increase the time required to heal. It is important to always check with your doctor before returning to physical activity.

What staff will do if they Witness a Concussion

If staff person who is responsible for your program, or working at the facility, witnesses someone hit their head against a hard surface (such as a direct collision with another person, the wall, ground, arena ice or floor), staff will go through the vital signs and symptoms of a concussion the injured person (or parent/guardian). Depending on the severity of the signs, staffs/volunteers will help the injured person contact their emergency contact. If the injured person is hurt during a scheduled Jane Alliance Neighbourhood Services Program, is witnessed by an employee, and the program time is not yet complete, it will be suggested and/or encouraged that the injured person stop regular activity if they are feeling unwell.

At the time of injury, staffs are expected to file an incident/injury report in writing to management. The supervisor, relevant staffs and/or management will provide follow-up to the injured person.

Prevention Management

All JANS’ staffs and volunteers adhere to the equipment and facility safety check, ensuring that all fields of play are kept safe, in good working condition and free from any hazards.

All activities are monitored by an experienced and well-trained staff member to prevent incidents that could result in a concussion or collusion.