What are the red flags that mean calling an ambulance?

Parachute lists these emergency danger signs. Call an ambulance right away if any are present:

• neck pain or tenderness
• double vision
• weakness or tingling in the arms or legs
• severe or increasing headache
• seizure or convulsion
• loss of consciousness
• deteriorating conscious state
• vomiting more than once
• increasing restlessness, agitation or combativeness
• growing confusion

The guideline says that with any red flag a more severe head or spine injury should be suspected and first aid principles followed. Coaches, parents/caregivers, trainers and officials should not try to remove equipment or move the athlete, and the athlete should not be left alone until the ambulance arrives. For a youth athlete, their parents or legal guardian should be contacted immediately.

Sources: https://parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/concussion/ and https://parachute.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Concussion-Guideline-2024.pdf