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This article was published 12/12/2017 (1016 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Winnipeg School Division is moving right to the head of the class when it comes to dealing with concussions.

Increasing concern over youth head injuries — a byproduct of fairly recent focus on professional sports-related trauma and its long-term consequences — has led the province’s largest school division to broaden the scope of the problem and come up with a response.

A new concussion protocol, developed in partnership with Pan Am Concussion Program, Sport Manitoba and the Sport Medicine and Science Council, acknowledges the need for students, parents, teachers, coaches and volunteers to all be on the same page in dealing with kids they suspect might be suffering from a head injury.

"It is important that people understand this protocol is for all students, not just student athletes," said David Bard, a physical education consultant at WSD. A significant number of students suffer concussions away from the rink and off the athletic field, too, says Pan Am Concussion Program doctor Michael Ellis.

"It’s important that all sport and school stakeholders are educated on the signs and symptoms of concussion and know what to do if a concussion is suspected," he said, estimating about half of the approximately 800 patients he treats annually are hurt in non-sports injuries that include vehicle collisions, assaults, falls and other schoolyard mishaps. Teachers who suspect one of their students is dealing with a concussion are expected to report their concern to school administration, who will refer them for a medical assessment, Bard said.

Bard said full recovery typically takes a week, but some students need ongoing treatment or could be absent from class. Teachers are expected to be flexible, granting extensions for completing assignments and writing tests.

Students will only be able to return to school after they receive clearance from a doctor, and complete several steps that prove they’re symptom-free.

These steps include doing regular activities at home, including light aerobics that prove they can participate in physical activities.

Ellis said he has seen many patients who did not receive prompt treatment, worsening the symptoms over time.

"It’s important that all students have a fundamental understanding of concussions so that they don’t go unnoticed or untreated," he said.

Other school divisions in the city have already taken preventative measures to minimize concussions among students. In September, the Seven Oaks school board hired a local athletic therapy firm to provide spotters at all of its schools’ high school football, hockey, lacrosse and rugby games.

The initiative will cost the school board $20,000 annually. Superintendent Brian O’Leary said Seven Oaks trustees believe the growing concern of concussions among adolescents justifies the high price tag. "Ultimately, student safety is paramount," Bard said.

kiera.kowalski@freepress.mb.ca