Any athlete who has prolonged loss of consciousness, post-traumatic convulsions, complaints of associated neck or back pain, or has a focal neurologic examination will be treated as a cervical spine injury: activation of emergency medical response system (EMS), provided cervical spine stabilization, transported via ambulance with cervical collar and spine board immobilization.
Any athlete who exhibits brief loss of consciousness, multiple episodes of vomiting, abnormal mental status changes greater than 1 hour, deteriorating cognitive function, or increasing agitation will be referred to the emergency department. EMS will be activated if a parent/guardian is not readily available.