Concussion, Injury & Cardiac Arrest Awareness
WHS Athletics Department
To the parents of All WHS Athletes,
The WHS Athletic Department acknowledges that even with the best coaching, use of the most advanced protective equipment and strict observance of rules, injuries are still possible. On rare occasions these injuries can be severe in nature and even cause death.
In rare cases, some athletes sustain a head injury or concussion. A concussion is a type of brain injury or TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), which changes how the cells in the brain normally work. A concussion is caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. Even a “ding” or “getting your bell rung” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. Concussions can also result from a fall or from players colliding with each other or with obstacles, such as a goalpost.
We have a very strict protocol at WHS when one of our players sustains a head/brain injury. We will call you immediately if your son/daughter is suspected of having a brain/head injury after the initial evaluation by our certified trainer. Our comprehensive Concussion Policy includes:
testing all athletes to establish a computer IMPACT baseline profile
the athletic trainer’s systematic evaluation
a medical doctor’s evaluation
re-testing of the IMPACT computer program
initial practice evaluation and a systematic progression to return to play
a five day period of observation before re-entering competition/full practice.
Should you be told that your son/daughter has a concussion or is suspected of having a concussion, here is what you can do at home to ensure his/her safety:
Close observation: he/she should never be left alone for the first 24 hours after the injury.
He/She should be awakened every 4-6 hours in the evening to establish their ability to awaken and alertness.
Keep the athlete calm, lying down, and quiet. This means no television, computer games or any type of brain stimulation!!!
NO aspirin or other pain medication should be taken without doctor’s approval.
***Should your child not report a head injury to his coach or the athletic trainer, you must be knowledgeable of the symptoms that may occur after a game or practice, that may indicate a head injury or concussion. The following are signs and symptoms of a concussion:
Worsening headache
Ringing in the ears
Vomiting or nausea
Decrease in responsiveness (i.e. delayed answering of questions)
Memory loss/disorientation
Increased drowsiness, slow response
Balance problems or difficulty walking
Visual problems (i.e. blurred, spots, stars, blacking out)
Sensitivity to light
Slurring of speech
Unequal pupils, blurred vision
Unconsciousness
Convulsions
Or any other conditions that are not considered “normal”.
If ANY of these conditions are evident, please seek medical attention immediately!
*Should emergency medical attention be required, please email the athletic trainer or leave a
message for the athletic trainer indicating the status of your student-athlete.
A Physician’s note is required by ALL athletes who seek medical attention to return to play.
Your student-athlete is required to report to the athletic training room for evaluation after school the next day they attend school. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Michael Maltese- Athletic Director WHS
860-571-8282