Topic 9: Sports Medicine Protocols

Topic 9: Sports Medicine Protocols

By Aaron Edwards

Warm up: Quiz

By Aaron Edwards

Multiple Choice

A concussion is a type of:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Headache
• Disease
• Degenerative brain disease

Multiple Choice

Soft tissue injuries are classified as injuries to which of the following

• Muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin
• Bones and teeth
• muscles and bones
• Muscles and skin

Multiple Choice

Hard tissue injuries are classified as injuries to which of the following

• Muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin
• Bones and teeth
• muscles and bones
• Muscles and skin

Multiple Choice

a sprain occurs in a

• ligament
• tendon
• muscle
• bone

Multiple Choice

A laceration is a 

• region of injured tissue or skin in which blood capillaries have been ruptured
• a cut in the skin
• type of broken bone
• a ruptured muscle

Multiple Choice

the P in T.O.T.A.P.S stands for

• Pressure
• Passive movement
• Participating test
• Passive test

Multiple Choice

the S in T.O.T.A.P.S stands for

• Skills test
• Skill acquisition
• Skulling
• Sulking

Multiple Choice

the T.O.T.A.P.S acronym is used

• an an assessment of injuries
• as a measurement for soft tissue injuries
• to classify an injury
• for categorising skill aquisition

Multiple Choice

A concussion is caused by a blow to the head, face, neck, or somewhere else on the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Falls, motor vehicle accidents and sports injuries are the most common reasons for concussion.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

If you get concussed, you are not at risk for getting another brain injury and it is safe to return to play

• Yes

• No

Multiple Select

Which is not a sign of a concussion.

• Poor balance or coordination

• Slow or slurred speech

• Enhanced concentration

• Delayed responses to questions

• Sleep disturbance

​Part 1: Concussions

Watch This Video:

https://youtu.be/beaFtwzwLv4

Fill in the Blank

Concussions are caused by impact to the ______

Today we will

Understand the definition of a concussion, causes of a concussion, and the effects of a concussion short and long-term​. We will also understand concussion protocol.

• By definition, a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that impairs the function of the brain

• It can interfere with normal brain function

• It can be caused by a blow to the head or body, a hit or jolt, or a fall

• You don't have to lose consciousness to be diagnosed with one

• There is no such thing as a "minor" concussion

​

What is a Concussion & What Causes It?

What exactly happens to the brain is not yet completely understood - however we do understand that:

• A concussion is a stretching of the brain; a bruise/hematoma; tearing of brain cells

• Possible chemical changes inside the brain can occur

• Once this happens, you become more vulnerable to further injury, damage, etc., until fully recovered.

​

Gray Area Matter...

• Headache, head pressure

• Nausea, vomiting

• Dizziness

• Blurred vision

• Sensitive to light, noise

• Foggy, "out of it"

• Can't concentrate

• Memory loss

• Confusion

• Overall feeling of being "off" or "not feeling right"

Symptoms

Multiple Choice

One of the following symptoms can be a sign for a concussion:

• Head impact but no loss of consciousness

• Head impact with loss of consciousness for over an hour

• Fracture of the skull

• Brain hemorrhage

Multiple Choice

With rest and gradual return to activity, the symptoms of a concussion can disappear and the brain can fully heal:

• True

• False

Multiple Select

What is not a danger sign related to concussions (select all that apply)?

• One pupil larger than the other

• Irritability

• Slurred Speech

• Repeated vomiting

Multiple Choice

If a student looks fine, they are probably not bothered by concussion symptoms

• True

• False

Multiple Select

How do student's heal from a concussion (select all that apply)?

• By taking medication

• By not attending school

• With mental and physical rest

​

​Concussion Protocol

​Concussion Protocol

​Immediate Action

​Concussion Protocol

​Immediate Action

Then check for red flags....

Recovery and Return to play after a diagnosed concussion.

1. Rest until symptoms have fully cleared.

2. Light activity (walking, gentle exercise).

3. Sport-specific exercise (running drills, no contact).

4. Non-contact training drills (more intensity, add resistance).

5. Full contact practice (once cleared by doctor).

6. Return to play.

• Each stage takes at least 24 hours, so return-to-play usually takes a minimum of 1 week (often longer).

• If symptoms return → drop back to the previous step and rest again.

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Open Ended

During a Year 10 touch football game, a player collides with another while diving for the ball. The player falls awkwardly and hits their head on the ground. They lie still for a few seconds before slowly sitting up. When you approach, the player looks dazed, struggles to answer simple questions, and says they feel dizzy.

Question:
As the first responder, outline the steps you would take to manage this situation. In your response, refer to:

• The DRSABCD action plan (to rule out life-threatening conditions)

• The concussion protocol (recognition, removal, and referral)

• The importance of preventing the player’s return to play

​Part 2: The blood rule

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLYLNCW7Q9A&ab_channel=SirFeesh

The Blood Rule is a safety protocol in sport designed to prevent the transmission of blood-borne viruses (such as HIV and Hepatitis).

• If an athlete is bleeding or has blood on their body, clothing, or equipment, they must leave the field immediately.

• They are not allowed to return until the bleeding has stopped, the wound is covered, and contaminated clothing/equipment has been cleaned or replaced.

• Play may be temporarily stopped so the area can be cleaned if there is blood on the field.

First Aid Procedures

• Stop the bleeding and dress the wound with a sterile covering.

• Clean blood off skin and equipment with appropriate disinfectants.

• Replace or clean bloody uniforms before the athlete resumes play.

• Gloves must always be worn by anyone providing first aid, and hands must be washed thoroughly after removal.

• All soiled dressings and contaminated materials must be disposed of safely.

Open Ended

During a school basketball match, a player collides with an opponent while going for a rebound. The player cuts their lip and begins bleeding. Blood is visible on their uniform. The referee immediately stops play and signals for the player to leave the court.

Question:
As the team’s first aid responder, explain the steps you would take to manage this situation. In your response, refer to:

• The DRSABCD action plan (to rule out any life-threatening conditions),

• The Blood Rule (removal from play, treatment, cleaning, and return-to-play requirements), and

• The use of TOTAPS to assess whether the athlete can safely return after treatment.