How to recognise Concussion

Lying motionless
Blank or vacant expression
Delay in getting up
Disorientation or confusion
Facial injuries
Slow, laboured or wobbly movements
Finding it difficult to balance

Reduced reaction time
Difficulty concentrating
Sensory sensitivity
Feeling sluggish or slow
Drowsiness or fatigue
Dizziness
Amnesia or memory problems
Confusion
Heightened emotions
Slurred speech
Changes to mood, personality or behaviour
Ringing in the ears
Lack of responsiveness

If the person is conscious and showing no red flag symptoms:
1. Prevent them from getting back on their horse or continuing their activity. They must not be allowed to leave the venue by themselves, or be allowed to operate or drive a motorised or motor-assisted vehicle.
2. Contact their parent/guardian or emergency contact to notify them of the incident, then stay with them until that person arrives.
3. Monitor and document any physical, cognitive or behavioural changes they might exhibit.
4. Instruct the parent/guardian or emergency contact that the individual needs to be seen by a medical practitioner.

The first 48 hours are critical to recovery. The concussed person should be advised to rest for 48–72hrs and screen use should be minimised for 48hrs. This involves resting the body and the brain from:

1. Physical activities, including riding, running, cycling, swimming and any physical work.

2. Mental activities, including school work, reading, watching television and playing video games, computer work, browsing social media and using a mobile phone.

Light physical activity can then be started after the 48–72hr period and this has been shown to aid recovery. A graduated return to sport can be started once the participant has returned to normal education or work – for more information, check the ACoRN traffic light system.