On Tuesday, the NZRU presented a refresher discussion on the importance of concussions. Topics covered included: signs, symptoms, diagnosis and return to work, school and play protocols.

Here is a recap of what we covered, in a very basic format. Please see the attached documents if you would like to know more in-depth detail about concussions.

4 R's - Recognise, Remove, Recover, Return.

RED FLAGS - moderate to severe = must go to the hospital
Neck pain
Double vision
Increasing confusion
Repeated vomiting
Tingling in arms
Bad or worsening headache
Decreasing consciousness or knocked out.

If knocked out, check the airway and breathing. If breathing, do not move them (neck protection). Remember your Dr's ABC. 

A Concussion - monitor for 48 hours after a knock = see GP

Dizziness
Nausea
Headache
Light sensitive
Confusion

When coaching, look out for:

Holding their head
Stumbling - loss of coordination
Look confused - going to the wrong place on the field
Mood changes - become angry or irritable
Forgetful
Speech slurred
Knocked out

= Remove from the field and use Maddocks Questions Eg.

Where are we playing?
What is the score?
Who scored last?
Who did we play last week?
Where are we playing today? etc.

Thank you to Christina and Danielle from NZRU for coming in to discuss this with us at Columba. It is always good to be reminded of things we tend to believe may be common sense. However, it is especially important to take note of the red flags and hospital vs general concussion and GP. Well done to all our student coaches, teachers in charge, coaches and managers for attending. 

Click here to access the NZR website which has some online education modules and some links to videos that might be useful.

Attached is a PDF of the presentation, the concussion recognition tool and some other concussion resources that may be beneficial.