Concussion Awareness and Information
Grand Erie District School Board has approved a policy that addresses concussions.
Children and adolescents are among those at greatest risk for concussions and that while there is potential for a concussion any time there is body trauma, the risk is greatest during activities where collisions can occur, such as during physical education classes, playground time, or school-based sports activities.
Increasing awareness of conditions to prevent and identify symptoms related to concussions will support the proper management of concussions, reducing increased risk.
- VIDEO: Learn more about concussions by watching the following short video by Dr. Mike Evans on Concussion Management and Return to Learn:
- Students and parents can take a short free online course for Grade 3, Grade 6 and Grade 9 levels.
Information for parents and students can be located at Concussion Web Portal, Government of Ontario.
Take the Concussion IQ Test: What's your Concussion IQ?
Concussions can occur while participating in any sport or recreational activity. Since the circumstances under which a concussion can be sustained are so varied, it is important for all coaches, parents, and athletes to educate themselves on the signs, symptoms, and what to do if a concussion occurs.
Additional Information about Concussions
Students who demonstrate signs or symptoms of a concussion while at school will be required to seek medical examination through a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. Contact will be made with parents and the proper forms will be sent home with the student.
Students who receive a direct blow to the head, face or neck, or a blow to the body that transmits a force to the head will not always show signs or symptoms immediately. In the best interest of the student’s health, the student will be required to be monitored for a minimum of 24 hours, both at school and at home. Students will not be able to participate in any physical activity until the minimum 24 hours has passed, no sign or symptoms were observed, and Documentation of Monitoring/Medical Examination Form (Appendix D2) has been signed and returned to the school. If, at any time during this monitoring phase, signs or symptoms present themselves, the student needs to be examined by medical doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible on the same day and results shared with principal before return to school.
Concussions that occur outside of school:
It is important to note that students who have a suspected or diagnosed concussion that occurs outside of school hours or school sanctioned events are still required to follow the Grand Erie Student Concussion and Head Injury policy. We request parents inform the school administration as soon as possible regarding these events.
The following are pertinent concussion information documents: