YORK CURLING CLUB - CONCUSSION ASSESSMENT TOOL

The purpose of this tool is to assist the Designated Person at York Curling Club in assessing whether a participant is presenting with signs and symptoms of a concussion. A participant who has sustained a blow to the head, face or neck in any way, regardless of the use of head protection, should be assessed using this tool. Mark which signs/symptoms affect the participant if applicable.

DO NOT REMOVE FROM THE ICE SURFACE (OR INCIDENT LOCATION) IF THE PATIENT IS UNCONSCIOUS OR SEIZING.

  1. Call 911 if the participant is/was:
  • Unconscious at any time (even if they have regained consciousness)
  • Had a seizure (even if they have regained consciousness)
  • Bleeding significantly or has a large wound
  • Neck pain/tenderness
  • Double vision
  • Weakness or tingling in arms or legs
  • Severe or increasing headache (worst headache ever)
  • Vomiting more than once
  • Increasingly restless, agitated, or aggressive
  • Getting more and more confused
  • Requesting an ambulance
  1. Memory Questions that may Suggest a Concussion (if unable to answer one or more questions, 911 must be called for concern of increasing confusion):
  • What is your full name?
  • Where are you right now?
  • What day is it (day of the week, date, month)?
  • What league, event, activity are you participating in?
  • How old are you?
  1. Common Signs and Symptoms of Concussion (if yes to one or more refer to bolded statement below):
  • Headache or pressure in the head
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Balance problems
  • Tired or low energy
  • Drowsiness
  • “Don’t feel right”
  • Sleeping more or less than usual
  • Having a hard time falling asleep
  • Not thinking clearly
  • Slower thinking
  • Feeling Confused
  • Problems concentrating
  • Problems remembering
  • Irritability (easily upset or angered)
  • Depression
  • Sadness
  • Nervous or anxious

IF PARTICIPANT IS PRESENTING WITH ANY ONE OR MORE OF THE SIGNS/SYMPTOMS/QUESTIONS ABOVE, THEY MUST BE ASSESSED AND CLEARED BY A MEDICAL DOCTOR OR NURSE PRACTITIONER BEFORE RETURN-TO-PLAY.

If a participant FAILS SCREENING QUESTIONS, the following must occur:

  • Notify the participant’s Parent/Guardian (if the participant is a minor) or suggest someone close to the participant be notified (if the participant is not a minor).
  • Suggest a ride home for the participant be arranged.
  • Isolate the participant into a dark room or area if the light is bothering them.
  • Reduce external stimulus if it is bothering the participant (noise, other people, etc.).
  • Remain with the participant until they feel ready to go home.
  • Monitor and document any physical, emotional and/or cognitive changes.
  • Participant will not be allowed to return to play without direction from a Medical Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. Please review the Concussion Guidelines and Return to Play Policy on the York Curling Club Website for details on what is required. (NOTE: Paramedics are not considered a qualified medical professional in determining if a participant has a concussion)

It is advised that someone with a suspected concussion not be left alone for 12-24 hours after sustaining the injury.

If a participant PASSES SCREENING QUESTIONS advise them that concussion symptoms take minutes to hours to present. If any of the above symptoms develop or the participant is unable to continue answering the memory questions after returning home they should seek assessment from a Medical Doctor or Nurse Practitioner as soon as possible and not return to curling until a concussion has been ruled out.

THE DESIGNATED PERSON MUST COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE YORK CURLING CLUB INCIDENT REPORT FOUND AT

A copy of this document will be provided to any participant who sustains a blow to the head, face, or neck at York Curling Club.

Designated Person Assessing Participant:

Name:_____________________________  

Signature:______________________________  

Date:_______________________

Participant Acknowledgement of Assessment (if possible):

Name:_____________________________  

Signature:______________________________  

Date:________________________