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Tools for use by educational institutions and in the context of recreational and sports activities

The Concussion Management Protocol is a tool that describes each step to take from the moment of an incident to the complete return to activities. This document presents the basic measures that should be taken with regard to a possible concussion. It also offers a standardized approach based on the scientific literature and best practices.

Within the Protocol, there is a Tracking Sheet used to record and transmit information to the participant, the parents, the recreational, educational and sports organizations concerned and the healthcare network. It is useful for monitoring the steps to be taken, depending on the participant’s state of health after the incident. It should not be used to diagnose a concussion and it is not a substitute for a medical opinion.

Roles and responsibilities of stakeholders

Whenever a concussion occurs, each stakeholder plays a strategic role in the coordination and transmission of information. It is imperative that participants, parents and activity supervisors know their roles and responsibilities in preventing, managing and raising awareness of concussions. The quality of the communication between all stakeholders is key in ensuring effective and cohesive monitoring.

  • report any symptoms that may be concussion-related
  • report any incident they have witnessed
  • comply with medical instructions and follow the procedure for the progressive return to activities as presented in the Concussion Management Protocol
  • inform the various stakeholders of their state of health and any related restrictions

It is important to report the symptoms of a concussion in order to rest and to begin the progressive return to activities at the right time. This way, the brain is given sufficient time to rest.

  • watch carefully for delayed symptoms of a concussion because they can appear up to 48 hours after an incident
  • take the steps needed to obtain proper care
  • inform the other stakeholders (educational and sports organizations) of their child’s state of health
  • ensure that activities are resumed in accordance with medical instructions or the protocol
  • check for symptoms when the participant is removed from the activity
  • inform the parents of a minor of the situation as quickly as possible and notify them of the rest period required
  • ensure that activities are resumed in accordance with medical instructions and the procedure for the progressive return to activities presented in the Concussion Management Protocol

In a situation where the protocol is integrated into the practices of a professional healthcare team (e.g. athletic therapist, physiotherapist, kinesiologist) with concussion-related expertise working under medical supervision, the Concussion Management Protocol can be applied with a degree of flexibility, making room for the professional’s clinical judgment. Individuals who are skilled in the use of reputable recognition tools (SCAT5, ChildSCAT5, Pocket CRT) that comply with the basic standards of the protocol, may use these tools.

  • inform and equip the staff (updated protocol and tracking sheet)
  • coordinate the actions of the school staff as intellectual, physical and sports activities resume

Please see the memory aid related to your level of instruction.

Last update: August 28, 2023

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