Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines Concussion Package
Secondary Curricular
Secondary Curricular Generic Section
Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines
Secondary - Curricular September 2013
Appendix C-4 – Documentation for a Diagnosed Concussion – Return to Learn/Return to Physical Activity Plan
Generic Section Concussion Definition 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); • 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. Concussion Protocol and Procedures Information: Safety protocols and procedures must be developed and communicated to students to minimize and manage potential concussions. To assist in the development of concussion safety protocols and procedures, administrators, teachers and coaches are to reference the appropriate concussion information located in the Appendices section of this module. At all times the Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines are the minimum standards. In situations where a higher standard of care is presented (e.g., a Board's protocols or procedures) the higher standard of care is to be followed. Teachers, coaches and volunteers supervising physical activities, where a student/athlete sustains a possible concussion, must be able to identify and properly manage a suspected concussion. It is critical to refer to the following Appendices for important information on concussion identification, management and return to learn/return to physical activity protocol: Appendix C-1 – Concussion Management Procedures: Return to Learn and Return to Physical Activity Appendix C-2 – Tool to Identify a Suspected Concussion Appendix C-3 – Documentation of Medical Examination Appendix C-4 – Documentation for a Diagnosed Concussion – Return to Learn/Return to Physical Activity Plan Minimizing the Risk of Concussions (N.B. Concussion Prevention information is currently under review – check for revisions September 2014) Education is a prime factor in supporting the prevention of concussion. Any time a student/athlete is involved in physical activity, there is a chance of sustaining a concussion. Therefore it is important to take a preventative approach when dealing with concussions. Prior to activity the teacher/coach meets with student/athlete to go over the following information on concussion: The definition and causes of a concussion, signs and symptoms, and dangers of participating in an activity while experiencing the signs and symptoms of a concussion The risks associated with the activity/sport for a concussion and how to minimize those risks
Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines
Secondary - Curricular September 2013
Appendix C-4 – Documentation for a Diagnosed Concussion – Return to Learn/Return to Physical Activity Plan
The importance of immediately informing the teacher/coach of any signs or symptoms of a concussion, and removing themselves from the activity The importance of respecting the rules of the game and practising fair play The importance of wearing protective equipment that is properly fitted (e.g., with chin straps done up according to the one-finger rule [only one finger should fit between the strap and chin]) Where helmets are worn, inform students that there is no such thing as a concussion-proof helmet. Helmets are designed to prevent major brain injuries such as bruises to the brain, blood clots, facial i
