Minor Head Injury Protocol

Dealing with a minor head injury in judo or any sports setting is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the injured individual. Here's a protocol we’ll do our best to follow if a minor head injury occurs during a judo practice or competition:

1. Immediate Assessment:

As soon as a minor head injury is suspected, stop the activity immediately. Ensure the safety of both the injured person and those around them.

Approach the injured person calmly and reassure them.

2. Check for Responsiveness:

Gently tap or call the person's name to check for responsiveness. Ask if they are okay or if they feel any pain or discomfort.

If the person is unresponsive, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.

3. Evaluate the Injury:

Carefully assess the head injury to determine its severity. Look for signs of concussion, such as confusion, dizziness, loss of consciousness, headache, nausea, or vomiting.

If the person displays any signs of a more severe head injury (e.g., loss of consciousness for more than a few seconds, severe headache, seizures, or difficulty breathing), seek immediate medical attention.

4. Move to a Safe Area:

If the person is conscious and responsive but experiences dizziness or disorientation, help them move to a safe and quiet area away from the judo mat.

5. Rest and Monitor:

Encourage the injured person to sit or lie down comfortably.

Monitor their condition closely for the next 15-30 minutes, looking for any worsening symptoms.

Do not allow the person to return to judo practice or competition on the same day, even if they feel fine.

6. Ice Pack (if applicable):

If there is a minor bump or bruise, you can apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the injured area for 15-20 minutes, with breaks in between.

Ensure the injured person does not apply ice directly to the skin to prevent frostbite.

7. Inform Parents or Guardians:

If the injured person is a minor, inform their parents or guardians about the injury and the steps taken.

8. Medical Evaluation:

Advise the injured person to seek medical evaluation even if the initial symptoms appear to be minor.

Follow any guidelines provided by a healthcare professional for returning to judo activities.

9. Documentation:

Maintain detailed records of the incident, including the date, time, location, and any observed symptoms.

Document any conversations with parents, guardians, or healthcare providers regarding the injury.

10. Return-to-Play Protocol:

Only allow the injured person to return to judo practice or competition once they have been medically cleared by a healthcare professional and have completed the recommended recovery period.

11. Prevention:

Promote awareness and education about the signs and symptoms of head injuries among judo participants.

Remember that head injuries are serious, and it's essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of all judo participants. Professional medical attention will be sought when in doubt to ensure a proper evaluation and treatment plan.