What to do for suspected concussion

First-aid principles apply. Neck injuries should be suspected if there is any loss of consciousness, neck pain or a mechanism that could lead to spinal injury. Athletes in this type of situation shouldn’t be moved without guidance from appropriately trained individuals.

To assist the treating health practitioner, it is helpful to note the following details at the time of the injury:

When: what time did the injury take place?

How: how did the injury occur? For example, is the injury from a knock to the head by a cricket bat or by an opponent’s shoulder?

Where: where on the body was hit? For example, the temple, shoulder or back of head.

What: what occurred next? Including symptoms such as loss of consciousness, convulsions, amnesia, vomiting or confusion.

Additional useful information: any further symptoms such as behavioural changes or loss of memory.

If in doubt, sit them out!

If there is any doubt about whether an athlete is concussed, that athlete should not be allowed to return to sport until cleared by a medical practitioner.