Recognition, Response & Management

When an athlete has a suspected head, neck or spinal injury, the response is the same for all emergencies. The athlete may have been the victim of a violent hit and as a result fall limp to the ground. Signs and Symptoms include: Head or body contorted in an unnatural way Numbness in any part of the body Tingling sensation in arms or legs Loss of function Unconscious

Call 911 Stabilize the head & neck and shoulders to prevent movement Prepare to load him/her onto a spine board Log Roll: a maneuver used to turn a patient from one side to the other without flexing the spine Perform CPR if needed

Log roll the athlete if they are in a prone position. If a board is available, they can be placed directly on the board. The athlete must be “rolled” into a supine (face up) position in order to access the airway. The person at the head stays at the head until the athlete is secure.

What are three signs of a concussion?

Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head Temporary loss of consciousness Confusion or feeling as if in a fog Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event Dizziness or "seeing stars" Ringing in the ears Nausea Vomiting Slurred speech Delayed response to questions Appearing dazed Fatigue

What are 3 treatment options for a concussion?

1. Doctor 2. During the first 24 hours after the injury, your doctor may suggest that you have someone wake you up every two to three hours 3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headaches 4. Get lots of rest 5. Avoid sports or strenuous activity 6. Avoid driving a car for 24 hours or a few months depending on the severity of the concussion 7. Surgery may be required for a serious concussion

What are 2 prevention strategies for a concussion?

Wear a properly fitted helmet Follow safe playing techniques

What are 3 signs and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest?

Warning Symptoms Include: 1. Chest pain with exercise 2. New onset fatigue or excessive shortness of breath with exercise 3. Palpitations or the heart racing for no reason 4. Passed out or unconscious during exercise

What are the 4 treatment options to save someone’s life who is suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest?

Cardiac Chain of survival 4-steps: 1 - Early recognition and Call CPR 3 - Defibrillation with an AED 4 - Life support and cardiovascular care at hospital

What are 3 prevention strategies for identifying someone at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?

Comprehensive Medical History – identifying any family members who may have dies suddenly before the age of 40 2 – Standards pre-participation physical exam 3 - EKG/Echocardiogram

What are 3 signs and symptoms of a head, neck or spinal injury?

Signs and Symptoms include: Head or body contorted in an unnatural way Numbness in any part of the body Tingling sensation in arms or legs Loss of function Unconscious

What are the 4 ways to respond to someone who has a head, neck or spine injury?

Call 911 Stabilize the head & neck and shoulders to prevent movement Prepare to load him/her onto a spine board Log Roll: a maneuver used to turn a patient from one side to the other without flexing the spine Perform CPR if needed

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