One of the reasons why a concussion is such a dangerous injury at camps is because it is often hard to identify. If a camper breaks their arm, you can recognize it immediately and take the proper medical steps. But concussion, also called a traumatic brain injury (TBI), can be hidden, and symptoms may occur many hours after the initial trauma. Church Mutual encourages camp leaders to teach staff how to avoid, recognize and respond to concussions.
Avoid
Basic safety precautions can make a big difference in preventing debilitating head injuries. Take these steps to make your camp safer:
Recognize
Every staff member should know the basic symptoms of a concussion so they can take immediate action if a camper suffers from a TBI. Concussion symptoms include:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should call 911 if a camper or staff member exhibits the following symptoms:
Respond
When you suspect a camper or staff member has suffered a concussion, you should act right away to prevent further injury.
Most people recover from concussions with no additional treatment. However, if a concussion lasts longer than 15 minutes and includes some of the other above symptoms, it’s time to seek a doctor’s attention.
For more information about keeping your campers and staff safe, visit www.churchmutual.com/campsafety.