The HDSB has updated its Concussion Protocol, as per Ministry of Education expectations. Recent research has made it clear that a concussion can have a significant impact on a student's cognitive and physical abilities. In fact, research shows that activities that require concentration can actually cause a student's concussion symptoms to reappear or worsen. It is equally important to help students as they “return to learn” in the classroom as it is to help them “return to physical activity”.
HDSB and its parents are key partners in the health and safety of our students and as such there are key components that parents will need to be made aware of in the case of a suspected or diagnosed concussion.
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 bump to the head, neck or body, 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 Form C-3 has been signed and returned to the school. If at any time during this monitoring phase signs or symptoms present, students must be seen by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.
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 HDSB Concussion Protocol process. We request that parents inform the school administration as soon as possible regarding these events.
