
Identify that a concussion is a brain injury from biomechanical forces with physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep symptoms, not visible on imaging.
Identify a suspected concussion by checking red flags and using the SCAT assessment, including symptom scoring, memory recall, concentration, and gait, then remove from play and reassess.
Identify a concussion and follow rest-focused recovery, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, monitor red flags in the first 24–72 hours, then gradually reintroduce light physical and cognitive activity.
Follow the return to learn before return to play protocol, reintroducing cognitive and physical activities after concussion while resting 24 hours if symptoms return and progressing one step per day.
Explore post concussion complications, including ongoing headaches, dizziness, and memory issues, and learn the importance of medical evaluation, return-to-learn and return-to-play, and avoiding second impact syndrome.
Highlight recognizing concussions early, removing affected athletes from play, assessing symptoms with the Scott test, and affirming safe return to full participation in physical and mental activities after the exam.
This course will address what concussions are, how to identify them with both symptoms and the SCAT. Students will learn how to identify a concussion and use the SCAT tool that is available for free online for both adults and children. Students will learn what to do once you have a concussion and the recovery process with both return to learn and play. The guidelines are available with the SCAT and specific to children and school and adults and work. Post concussive concerns will also be addressed and what steps you can take to help. This is a basic course but gives enough information to determine if someone likely has or does not have a concussion. It will allow you to be more confident in deciding if someone should see a doctor or ER or is fine to continue playing, participating, learning or working. Content is updated often based on revised standards of care and what recent research recommends with regards to assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. As with all medical topics and injuries, information contained here is not expected to take the place of medical professionals and should you have a suspected concussion, you are encouraged to seek out a medical professional for further steps. The information here is provided to help those who may be witness to concussions - parents, coaches, athletes - help make the best decisions surrounding those around them.