A new student concussion protocol for the entire Chinook's Edge School Division is nearing completion and should be in place soon, according to Shawn Russell, associate superintendent of corporate services.
The Chinook's Edge board reviewed a draft of the protocol at its recent regularly scheduled meeting and instructed administration to move forward with putting the protocol in place when it is ready.
The protocol has been developed by the division's occupational health and safety committee in conjunction with school-based administration teams including principals, physical education teachers and coaches.
"The awareness of concussions and how serious they can be has certainly increased over the past number of years," said Russell.
"A number of school divisions, including ourselves, are looking at putting admin procedures in place to keep the safety of students in mind and to address how we deal with concussions in relation to sports activity and also in relation to academic studies as well."
A concussion is a brain injury that can be caused by a blow to the head.
There is currently no policy in place in the division specifically dealing with concussions, he said.
"If someone suffers a concussion, whether it happens on school or at an activity outside school, depending on the severity of the concussion it could have impacts on their ability to complete their academic work," he said.
"We want to make sure we have procedures in place to help address when someone does suffer a concussion."
The protocol will put procedures in place outlining what should be done in the event that a suspected concussion has occurred, he said.
"We do have forms that are part of the admin procedure that do request that doctors do clear students of the concussion symptoms prior to participating in certain activities at the school," he said.
The new protocol will apply to all grades in the division.
"It is in the final stages of development. We are hoping to have it done in the next month or two and have it put in place," he said.
"The awareness of concussions and how serious they can be has certainly increased over the past number of years."Shawn Russell
