First responders, football coaches participate in second concussion discussion in Charleston

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – The Kanawha County Ambulance Authority hosted the second concussion discussion, this time with the goal of teaching paramedics and football coaches signs they should look for after a football player takes a big hit.

In partnership with the Kanawha County Commission and the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, this concussion discussion featured lectures from Dr. Jim Kyle, and neurosurgeon Dr. Calvin Whaley. They went over the key symptoms of concussions, and how coaches, players and paramedics should respond.

Dr. Kyle said that it’s crucial that medics who attend football games act quickly when they believe a player has suffered a concussion.

“It’s important for them to be in the loop with knowledge about what to do when a concussion occurs. We want to make sure that they understand when in doubt, sit them out,” said Dr. Kyle.

Dr. Kyle said that there are a few major concussion symptoms that players, coaches, and paramedics must look out for before sending a player back into the game.

“The most obvious is a headache, most of these injuries are not associated with loss of consciousness. Many report being dizzy, being foggy, or off balance. Light and noise sensitivity is also very common,” said Dr. Kyle.

13 News spoke with Scott High School’s head football coach, Jeremy Dolin. His team was one of the squads to receive guardian caps from Boone Memorial Hospital, and he said it’s been a game-changer.

“Getting those and being able to add that in addition to what we try to teach kids about safety regulations, especially when it comes to head injuries, it was a blessing,” said Dolin.

Coaches and paramedics were taught how crucial their reactions are when a player suffers an injury. Mark Brooks, the CEO of Princeton Rescue Squad, said that the first two minutes after a player takes a big hit are the most important when it comes to medical assistance.

“When it comes to emergency services, the little things we do when we very first place hands on patients changes the outcome of the patients life, be it good or be it bad. Everything we do, every piece of training we have, including this lecture, is going to allow us to change and make a difference in somebody’s life,” said Brooks.

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