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CONCUSSIONS
In 2012, New York State passed the Concussion Management and Awareness Act. The Brearley School recognizes head injuries and concussions are commonly reported injuries in children and adolescents who participate in athletics and recreational activities. Head injuries and concussions can have serious consequences if not managed properly. The Brearley School has adopted a policy to support proper evaluation and management of head injuries. The concussion policy aids in identifying concussed athletes, outlines procedures for referral, follow-up treatment, and details the return to learn and the return to play policy after a head injury. The goal of the Brearley School is to safely return our students back to academic and athletic activity after injury.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, body or jaw that results in a rapid back and forth movement of the head and brain. Recovery from one concussion to another will vary. Avoiding re-injury and overexertion until fully recovered is critical to proper concussion management. While school staff will exercise reasonable care to protect students, head injuries may still occur.
Physical education teachers, coaches, and nurses will receive training to recognize the signs, symptoms, and behaviors consistent with a concussion. As an additional tool, all students in classes VII-XII will take a baseline ImPACT test. To learn more about ImPACT, please go to www.impacttest.com.
Once a student has been diagnosed with a concussion by their physician, a written note must be provided to the school. The school nurse and athletic trainer will follow the recommended protocols to guide the student through the steps of the return to learn protocol. As soon as a student is symptom free, they will begin the return to play protocol with the athletic trainer.
Education and awareness among our students, staff and community is our biggest goal. We encourage all parents and guardians to review the head injury information provided on our website.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the athletic trainer or school nurse.
Laura London, MS, ATC
Athletic Trainer