is a period in which the brain is particularly vulnerable to further injury. If a student sustains a second concussion during this period, the risk of permanent brain injury increases significantly.
CONCUSSION TESTING
The school has implemented an innovative program for our students who have suffered a concussion called SWAY. Sway is widely used throughout health centers and athletic training rooms across the country. It assists the Director of Health Services, the school nurses, and the Athletic Trainers with evaluating and treating suspected head injuries. To help manage concussions sustained by our students, we ask them to download a free app called Sway Medical; the student will then be baseline tested with their fall team or individually in the first couple of weeks of school. The program utilizes the accelerometer in the phone to test reaction time, balance control, impulse control, and memory. Although this program is a valuable tool in our assessment and treatment of head injuries, it is still a tool and cannot fully determine when the student is concussion-free. Sway testing procedures are non-invasive and pose no risks to the students. The school’s administration, coaching, and athletic training staff strive to keep students’ health and safety at the forefront of the student athletic experience.
HE A LTH S ER V I CE S
Return to full activity will typically follow a medically supervised stepwise process initiated by the school’s medical staff and/or athletic trainers. In some circumstances, students may need significant time away from school to prompt effective and efficient recovery. Regular communication and coordination between parents and the school’s medical staff will ensure the best care of a student who sustains a head injury.
ASTHMA MANAGEMENT
Parents of students with asthma must fill out an Asthma Action Plan via Magnus, the web-based SMR (student medical record) software prior to the start of school. This form must be signed by the student's physician. Students must bring two inhalers to school or they will be ordered via the Health Center. One inhaler is to be carried on the student at all times. The other is to be kept in the Health Center.
THE SHIELD / 2023-2024
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