Concussions.

The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions — temporary loss of brain function — can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness. And many head injuries occur off the playing field, in car and bicycle accidents, in fights, and even routine calamities and falls.

Kids who sustain concussions usually can recover within a week, without lasting health problems, by following certain precautions and taking a breather from sports.

But a child with an undiagnosed concussion can be at risk for brain damage and even disability.

If your child does sustain a head injury, even without a loss of consciousness, it’s important to watch for symptoms of a concussion, including:

• a change in mental state
• a bad headache
• confusion
• repeated vomiting

A child with these symptoms should be taken to the emergency room.

About Concussions

The brain is made of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid. It is encased in the hard, protective skull. The brain can move around inside the skull and even bang against it. If the brain does bang against the skull — for example, if a child hits his or her head on the sidewalk — the brain can get bruised, blood vessels can be torn, and the nerves inside the brain can be injured. These injuries can lead to a concussion, which is the temporary loss of brain function.

There are three different types, or grades, of concussions. The severity of a concussion determines the length of time needed before a player can safely return to sports activities:

• Grade 1 concussions involve no loss of consciousness and cause a temporary change in mental state, like confusion, disorientation, and trouble focusing, which resolves within about 15 minutes.
• Grade 2 concussions are similar but the change in mental state lasts longer than 15 minutes.
• Grade 3 concussions include a loss of consciousness, regardless of how long they last.

Head injuries that result in concussions can be caused by car, bike, and motorcycle accidents; falls; assaults; and contact sports (football, ice hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, basketball, wrestling, field hockey, rugby, soccer, softball, baseball, etc.).

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Shock is a life-threatening condition. Immediate medical care can make the difference between life and death.

Signs of shock (most of which will be present) include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, like you may pass out.
• Feeling very weak or having trouble standing up.
• Being less alert. You may suddenly be unable to respond to questions, or you may be confused, restless, or fearful.

Also, a person in shock usually has an abnormal increase in heart rate and an abnormal decrease in blood pressure.

Shock may occur in response to a sudden illness or injury. When the body loses too much blood or fluids, the circulatory system cannot get enough blood to the vital organs, and shock results.

Shock is a life-threatening condition. Immediate medical care is required any time shock is suspected.

• Call 911 or other emergency services.
• Have the person lie down. If there is an injury to the head, neck, or chest, keep the legs flat. Otherwise, raise the person’s legs at least 12 in. (32 cm).
• If the person vomits, roll him or her to one side to let fluids drain from the mouth. Use care if there could be an injury to the back or neck.
• Stop any bleeding, and splint any broken bones.
• Keep the person warm but not hot. Put a blanket under the person, and cover him or her with a sheet or blanket, depending on the weather. If the person is in a hot place, try to keep him or her cool.
• Take the person’s pulse in case medical staff on the phone need to know what the pulse is. Take it again if the person’s condition changes.
• Try to keep the person calm.

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Red Cross - Kelowna First Aid Course

Below are the differences between WCB OFA level 1 Level 2 and Level 3 Courses.

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Occupational First Aid Level 1

A basic one day/8 hour course covering the essential ABC’s – airway, breathing and circulation. How to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress and control bleeding. One person CPR, minor wound care and records / reports are also part of the course.

Occupational First Aid Level 2

A 36 hour first aid course primarily designed for the urban first aid attendant but is applicable whenever the WorkSafe BC Regulations require certification to the OFA 2 Level.

Covers the basics of airway, breathing and circulation which includes how to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress, bleeding control, Shock and one person CPR. In addition, patient assessment, hard collar application, upper limb splinting and minor wound care are covered.

Course fees include textbooks and Exams.

Written and practical exams are required after the course is completed. A minimum mark of 70% is required, on both the written and practical exams, to successfully complete the course.

Occupational First Aid Level 3

A 70-hour first aid course designed with the rural or attendant in heavy industry in mind. A prerequisite for employment with the BC Ambulance Service, many ski patrols and some Fire / Police Departments.

Covers the basics of airway, breathing and circulation – includes how to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress, bleeding control, Shock and one and two person CPR. In addition, continuing patient assessment, hard collar application, securing a patient to a spine board, upper and lower limb splinting and minor wound care are covered. Completion of records and reports are an integral part of the course.

Course fees include textbooks and Exams.

Written and practical exams are required after the course is completed. A minimum mark of 70% is required, on both the written and practical exams, to successfully complete the course. Course medical required.