I thought that this was a good read.
EddieC wrote: What makes me an expert?
I have a degree in Sports Injury Management with an emphasis in Athletic Training. I was an Army Medic. Since the initial days of the Asterisk Mobile Medical Center (AMMC) 10 plus years ago I have only missed 3 races. This includes both MX and SX. I have a rehabilitation / strength and conditioning clinic that specializes in Action Sports Injuries. I have devoted my life to Action Sports Medicine.
This concussion protocol that everyone is talking about, I helped write it. With the help of Dr. Reiman we began drafting a protocol based on information that came out of the 4th Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport D. I reviewed over 50 collegiate concussion protocols as well as protocols for the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB before finalizing what we think is a pretty damn good protocol. As far as we know MX/SX is the first motor sport that has implemented such a program.
The protocol is no secret and anyone that wants to see it only need message me.
Can the attending doctor also known as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) be overruled? NO!!
Now to the Million Dollar question. What is the policy in the event of a KO? Simple, that athlete sits out the remainder of the event and then must follow AMMC return to ride protocol.
Does a rider lying on the ground motionless indicate he/she is KO'd? NO.
Is the probability high that the person is KO'd? Yes.
Until you actually begin your PHYSICAL assessment you can not say.
LOOK- are the eyes open? is the chest moving? Is the person moving? does the person respond to verbal commands?
LISTEN- Breathing?
FEEL- Checking the body out.
If upon PHYSICAL inspection you see the persons eyes open and immediately and coherently begins to respond to verbal commands what is the medical provider to think?
KO'd? NO.
Concussion? Probably, at which point the person will go to AMMC for further evaluation.
Browne at San Diego? Eyes closed, snoring KO'd? YES
What people need to understand is that everyone reacts differently to the various ways the brain can receive trauma. Direct blow to various parts of the head, whiplash injuries, rotation injuries. This is why it is so important to have a baseline test.
Is our concussion program set in stone? No. It is a constant work in progress as more information comes out we revise as needed.
Do I want to reach through the computer screen and choke some MFr's out? HELL YES! But everyone is entitled to their opinion and I have to respect that.
To the biggest s**t talkers of our program. Hit me up and come work with me for a day. Sign the liability waiver in case your ass gets run over. Sign the confidentiality waiver so you can't talk about who/what you saw in the truck. Then you can make all the calls on the track.
