In recognition of Concussion Awareness Day, the Government of Saskatchewan, Sask Sport and the Sport Medicine & Science Council of Saskatchewan offered a one-hour webinar: A Concussion Story – A Coach’s Perspective.
Moderated by Rhonda Shishkin (Sport Physiotherapist and Certified Athletic Therapist), the webinar featured Scott MacAulay, a 25 year football coach at the minor, high school and junior levels, who shared his experiences working with athletes who had concussions.
The pair were joined by panelists Dr. Jordan Anderson (sport medicine physician in Regina), Emmarie Racine Hallin (MSc (Kin) candidate, BKin. Hons) and Jessica Pawlik (registered international sport physiotherapist and Head Therapist for Huskie Athletics).
Here are six resources that can be used when dealing with concussions.
1 – Remember the 12 R’s
| Recognize | 4. Refer | 7. Rehabilitate | 10. Reconsider |
| Reduce | 5. Re-evaluate | 8. Recover | 11. Retire |
| Remove | 6. Rest | 9. Return to Learn/Sport | 12. Refine |
2 – Utilize the Concussion Recognition Tool 6 (CRT6)
The CRT6 is a document that helps identify concussions in children, adolescents and adults through a four-step process. Coaches and activity leaders should keep the CRT6 on their clipboard or in another place for quick and easy reference.
3 – Check out the Concussion Guides
Parachute provides a concussion guide for athletes, coaches and trainers, parents and caregivers, as well as teachers and should be used as reference of what signs and symptoms to monitor, and what to do if a concussion is expected.
4 – Receive a Medical Assessment Letter
If an athlete is suspected of having a concussion, they should be referred to a medical professional. At that appointment, the athlete should receive a Medical Assessment Letter, filled out by the medical professional, with details of their assessment that can be provided to coaches, teachers, etc.
5 – Reference the Return to School and Return to Sport Strategies
Athletes can have challenges in many aspects of their lives when they get a concussion, including in school as well as sport. The Return to School and Return to Sport strategies provide steps to help guide the athlete in their return to those activities.
6 – Get a Medical Clearance Letter
When an athlete has seen a medical professional and has been deemed fit to return to all or some of their previous activities or sports, they should receive a Medical Clearance Letter.
Other concussion resources: