Awareness of the following information is required by law to register for sports programs in Maryland.

CONCUSSION INFORMATION

What is a concussion?  

A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild blow to the head can be serious.

What are some warning signs of a concussion? — For Immediate Attention Call 911 

 Signs Observed by a Parent/Guardian 

• Appears dazed or stunned
• Is confused about assignment or position
• Forgets sports plays
• Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
• Moves clumsily
• Answers questions slowly
• Loses consciousness (even briefly)
• Shows behavior or personality changes
• Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
• Can’t recall events after hit or fall

 Signs Reported by the Athlete 

• Headache or “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensitivity to noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, or groggy
• Concentration or memory problems
• Confusion
• Does not "feel right"

 What should you do if you think a concussion has occurred? 

1. The participant who is suspected of having a concussion must be removed from play immediately.
2. The participant may not return to play until they have been cleared by a licensed medical professional.

For Parents:

1. Seek medical attention right away.
   A health care professional will be able to decide how serious the concussion is and when it is safe to return to play.
2. Keep your child out of play until medically cleared.
   Concussions take time to heal. Don’t let your child return to play until a licensed health care professional says it’s okay. A Children who return to play too soon, while the brain is still healing, risk a greater chance of having a second concussion. Second or later concussions can be very serious. They can cause permanent brain damage, affecting your child for a lifetime.
   1. A clearance note from a licensed medical professional must be submitted prior to return to play.
3. Inform all coaches about any recent concussions.
   Coaches should know if your child has had a recent concussion. Your child’s coach may not know about a concussion your child received in another sport or activity unless you tell them. 
4. Help your child return to sports safely after a concussion.
   As your child’s symptoms decrease, the extra help or support can be removed gradually.  Children and teens who return to activities after a concussion may need to:
   • Take rest breaks as needed;
   • Spend fewers hours at activities; and
   • If in doubt, sit it out!

All GHES Physical Education and Sports Staff have completed the Concussion in Sports Certification Course through NFHS

For more information on Concussions: http://www.myheadfirst.com/.

SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST INFORMATION

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest? 

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a potentially fatal condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. Student athletes' risk of SCA is nearly four times that of non-athletes due to increased demands on the heart during exercise. SCA is caused by several structural and electrical diseases of the heart. These conditions predispose an individual to have an abnormal rhythm that can be fatal if not treated within a few minutes. Most conditions responsible for SCA in children are inherited, which means the tendency to have these conditions is passed from parents to children through the genes. Other possible causes of SCA are a sudden blunt non-penetrating blow to the chest and the use of recreational or performance-enhancing drugs and/or energy drinks.

Warning Signs of SCA  

• SCA strikes immediately.
• SCA should be suspected in any athlete who has collapsed and is unresponsive. (No response to tapping on shoulders, does nothing when asked if he/she is OK).
• No pulse.

Emergency Response to SCA  

• Act immediately; time is most critical to increase survival rates.
• Recognize SCA.
• Call 911 immediately and activate EMS.
• Administer CPR.
• Use Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

Warning Signs of Potential Heart Issues: The following need to be further evaluated by your primary care provider.
Risk of Inaction: Ignoring such symptoms and continuing to play could be catastrophic and result in sudden cardiac death. Taking these warning symptoms seriously and seeking timely appropriate medical care can prevent serious and possibly fatal consequences.
 

• Family history of heart disease/cardiac arrest
• Fainting, a seizure, or convulsions during physical activity
• Fainting or a seizure from emotional excitement, emotional distress, or being startled
• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially during exertion
• Exercise-induced chest pain
• Palpitations: awareness of the heart beating, especially if associated with other symptoms such as dizziness
• Extreme tiredness or shortness of breath associated with exercise
• History of high blood pressure

How Can We Minimize The Risk of SCA & Improve Outcomes? 

The risk of SCA in student athletes can be minimized by providing appropriate prevention, recognition, and treatment strategies. One way to minimize risk is through an annual pre-participation screening evaluation, often called a sports physical, performed by the athlete's medical provider.

1. There is a "Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation Form" 
2. Since the majority of these conditions are inherited, be aware of your family history, especially if any close family member:
   • had sudden unexplained and unexpected death before the age of 50.
   • was diagnosed with any of the heart conditions listed above.
   • died suddenly/unexpectedly during physical activity, during a seizure, from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or from drowning.
3. Take seriously the warning signs and symptoms of SCA. Athletes should notify their parents, coaches, or school nurses if they experience any of these warning signs or symptoms.
4. Schools in Maryland have AED policies and emergency preparedness plans to address SCA and other emergencies in schools. Be aware of your school's various preventive measures.
5. If a cardiovascular disorder is suspected or diagnosed based on the comprehensive pre-participation screening evaluation, a referral to a child heart specialist or pediatric cardiologist is crucial. Such athletes should stop playing sports pending further evaluation and clearance by their medical providers.