What should happen straight away if my child has a suspected concussion?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport (2nd edition, March 2024):

In all cases of suspected concussion, the athlete is removed from the activity immediately and gets a medical assessment as soon as possible.
If there are no red flags, the athlete is taken to a quiet area. If a licensed healthcare professional is present they do a sideline assessment (SCAT6 for ages 13 and older, Child SCAT6 for ages 8 to 12). If none is present, the athlete should be referred to a medical doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible.
The SCAT6 tools can be normal in an acute concussion, and should not be used to make sideline return-to-sport decisions for youth athletes. Any youth athlete suspected of a concussion must not return to the game or practice and should be referred for medical assessment.
If an athlete is removed for caution after an impact but has no signs or symptoms, they can return to play but should be monitored for delayed symptoms for up to 48 hours.
Any red flag means an ambulance (see the red flags question).