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Concussion Awareness & Protocols Statement


Athlete and participant safety is a top priority for Queen’s Athletics & Recreation.  Within all sports, there exists the possibility of an athlete or participant experiencing a blow to the head, face or neck, or somewhere else on the body that causes a sudden jarring of the head that may cause a concussion.  Athletics & Recreation takes concussion awareness, education and management very seriously.  Anyone suspected of sustaining a concussion should be removed from play immediately to be assessed by a certified medical professional (medical doctor, nurse practitioner or athletic therapist).  A diagnosis of a concussion should be confirmed by a medical doctor.  

If a concussion is confirmed, athletes or participants should have a minimum of 48 hours of cognitive and physical rest to let symptoms resolve somewhat before gradually returning to the activities of daily life.  Once symptoms resolve, the athlete or participant should follow medical advice to ensure a safe return to full participation. 

Additional information available about Return to Learn and Return to Play protocols, with the help of ImPACT testing, to ensure their safe return to full participation.		 Emergency Contact Information
Therapy Zone: 613-533-3325
Queen's Student Wellness Services: 613-533-2506
Hotel Dieu Hospital Emergency (Bagot near Brock): Open until 8 pm
Kingston General Hospital Emergency (King St W near Barrie)		 After Hours Information:
If there is any concern about an athlete's well-being, especially if symptoms seem to be worsening, they should be sent to the hospital for evaluation.
PLEASE NOTE: Hotel Dieu Hospital Emergency is open daily from 8 am - 8 pm.
Kingston General Hospital Emergency is open 24 hours.
QUICK LINKS
CONCUSSION INFORMATION
AND CODE OF CONDUCTS
20949
 
Queen's Football - 2019
Women's Rugby - BRITTANY IMASUEN
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WHAT IS A CONCUSSION?
A concussion is a brain injury that can't be seen on x-rays, CT or MRI scans.
It affects the way an athlete thinks and can cause a variety of symptoms. more		 WHAT CAUSES A CONCUSSION?
Any blow to the head, face or neck, or somewhere else on the body that causes a sudden jarring of the head may cause a concussion. more		 VIDEO RESOURCES


WEBSITE RESOURCES
Women's Soccer - SARAH WHELAN
Lacrosse
WHEN SHOULD I SUSPECT A CONCUSSION?
A concussion should be suspected in any athlete who sustains a significant impact to the head, face, neck, or body and reports ANY symptoms or demonstrates ANY visual signs of a concussion. more		 WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A CONCUSSION?
A person does not need to be knocked out (lose consciousness) to have had a concussion. more
fieldhockey
Men's Hockey - JADEN LINDO
WHAT ARE THE VISUAL SIGNS OF A CONCUSSION?
View a list of visual signs a concussion may include.		 WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT A CONCUSSION?
If an athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion during sports they should be immediately removed from play. more
concussion image-ultimate
WHEN CAN THE ATHLETE RETURN TO SCHOOL AND SPORTS?
It is important that all athletes diagnosed with a concussion follow a step-wise return to school and sports-related activities that include the following Return-to-School and Return-to-Sport Strategies. more

Return-to-Learn Strategy*

Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Daily activities at home that do not give the student-athlete symptoms Typical activities during the day as long as they do not increase symptoms (i.e. reading, texting, screen time). Start at 5-15 minutes at a time and gradually build up. Gradual return to typical activities.
2 School activities Homework, reading or other cognitive activities outside of the classroom. Increase tolerance for cognitive work.
3 Return to school part-time Gradual introduction of schoolwork. May need to start with a partial school day or with increased breaks during the day. Increase academic activities.
4 Return to school full-time Gradually progress. Return to full academic activities and catch up on missed school work.


Sport-Specific Return-to-Play Strategy*

Stage Aim Activity Goal of each step
1 Symptomlimiting activity Daily activities that do not provoke symptoms Gradual re-introduction of work/school activities.
2 Light aerobic activity Walking or stationary cycling at slow to medium pace. No resistance training. Increase in heart rate.
3 Sport-specific exercise Running or skating drills. No head impact activities. Add movement
4 Non-contact training drills Harder training drills, e.g. passing drills. May start progressive resistance training. Exercise, coordination and increased thinking
5 Full contact practice Following medical clearance and complete return to school. Restore confidence and assess functional skills by coaching staff.
6 Return to sport Normal gameplay.


HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR THE ATHLETE TO RECOVER?
Most athletes who sustain a concussion will make a complete recovery within 1-2 weeks while most youth athletes will recover within 1-4 weeks. Approximately 15-30% of patients will experience persistent symptoms (>2 weeks for adults; >4 weeks for youth) that may require additional medical assessment and management.

* Source: McCrory et al. (2017). Consensus statement on concussion in sport - the 5th international conference on concussion in sport held in Berlin, October 2016. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(11), 838-847. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2017- 097699

HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT CONCUSSIONS AND THEIR CONSEQUENCES?
Concussion prevention, recognition, and management require athletes to follow the rules and regulations of their sport, respect their opponents, avoid head contact, and report suspected concussions.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CONCUSSIONS PLEASE VISIT:
Parachute Canada: www.parachutecanada.org/concussion
 
Varsity Concussion Management Flow Chart
RECREATION CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT