Safeguarding against concussion harm

5 December 2014

Safeguarding against concussion harm

The recent tragic consequences of head injuries and concussion has once again brought widespread public focus on the importance of having well defined policies and practices to reduce the harm from concussion.

Some 7,350 head injuries are recorded each year as a direct result of sport related activity. In the last four years sports related concussion claims cost ACC $76 million.

“It’s not just the financial cost but the decline in general health and quality of life for the injured person for up to ten years following the injury. Or, maybe for the rest of their life,” said Dr Peter Robinson, Chief Clinical Advisor for ACC.

ACC has been working successfully with four National Sports Organisations (NSO’s) to develop and implement injury prevention initiatives. The Sports Collaboration Group – New Zealand Rugby, New Zealand Rugby League, New Zealand Netball and New Zealand Football working closely with AUT University’s Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand (SPRINZ) – was formed to work together to provide a leadership platform to address issues related to sport.

“The knowledge, experience and expertise this group brought in dealing with issues around concussion has been invaluable,” said Dr Robinson.

“We all agreed something had to be done and that a national guideline would be a starting point for all NSO’s, the recreation, health and education sectors to have a policy around concussion.”

“It is no longer acceptable to allow sports participants who sustain a knock to the head to continue to play until a proper medical assessment has been made.”

The ACC Concussion Guidelines set out what to do, how to recognise the signs and symptoms, what action to take and how sports organisations can develop a concussion policy and implementation plan for their particular activity.

ACC has an expert panel available to assist sports organisations and review their policies, plans and education material.

“The important thing is to get everyone involved to ensure a high standard of care across New Zealand,” said Dr Robinson.

ENDS

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