What is a Concussion?
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that can change the way the brain normally works. Concussions can occur from a fall or a blow to the head or body that causes the head and brain to quickly move back and forth. The health and wellness of students are important factors which influence learner achievement. The Maine Department of Education, in conjunction with families, educators, healthcare providers, and coaches, is committed to helping students prevent, manage, and recover from concussions. The model policy was updated in 2019 along with many new resources for schools and students.
Assessment Tools: The Sports Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT6) is a standardized tool for evaluating concussions designed for use by Health Care Professionals (HCPs). It can be used for individuals over 13 years of age.
- SCAT6 May be used as baseline assessment or post-injury assessment within 3 days of injury.
- Child SCAT6 may be used for children 8-12 years of age post-injury up to 7 days.
- Sports Concussion Office Assessment Tool (SCOAT6) may be used for ongoing assessment after 3 days post-injury.
MODEL POLICY
- Model Policy (last updated 2019)
- Concussion Management Resource Guide: individual components of this guide may be selected below
- LD 1873, Enacted May 21, 2012
- Title 20-A MRS §254(17) Duty to provide Model Policy
CONCUSSION REPORTING
- An Act To Protect the Health of Student Athletes by Requiring the Department of Education To Report on the Incidence of Concussions
- DOE Announcement on Concussion Reporting
- Schools are encouraged to use the Head Injury Tracker (HIT) developed by the Maine Concussion Management Initiative. The HIT is a tool for athletic trainers, school nurses, and school officials to easily record and track concussions.
- A paper version of the Head Injury Tracker Assessment Tool (based on SCAT5) can be downloaded and printed for ease of use in real-time. The assessment can be entered into the HIT platform by another person or at a later time.
APPROVED TRAININGS
Maine Concussion Management Initiative:
Education and Resources
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National Federation of State High School Associations
Free Training for Students & Staff
Free Training for Students - Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
Head's Up Training for school personnel
Head's Up Training for health services staff
SAMPLE FORMS
Prior to participating in a school athletic activity all students and the student’s legal parent or guardian must be informed of signs and symptoms of concussion and the school’s policy for the management of concussive and other head injuries and sign a statement acknowledging that review.
Student/Parent Acknowledgement Form
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Schools may choose to notify all students and parents of the risk of concussions and the local school policy. Sample language has been provided for a Student/Parent Handbook
- Sample Letter 1: Parent
- Sample Letter 2: Teacher
- Sample Letter 3: Teacher
- Student Information Sheet: after an injury
- Tips for Students: Managing your Work
Contact:
Emily Poland, MPH RN, NCSN
School Nurse Consultant
Coordinated School Health Team Leader
emily.poland@maine.gov