NFHS Emergency Response & Immediate Care 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a student-athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion during practice, what is the FIRST action that must be taken?
- Remove the athlete from activity immediately (Correct answer)
- Allow the athlete to finish the current play
- Administer pain medication to reduce discomfort
- Have the athlete perform a balance test before stopping play
Correct answer: Remove the athlete from activity immediately
NFHS guidelines require immediate removal from activity when a concussion is suspected — the 'when in doubt, sit them out' rule is non-negotiable.
Question 2: Which of the following symptoms after a head impact warrants IMMEDIATE activation of Emergency Medical Services (EMS)?
- Mild headache that resolves within minutes
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly (Correct answer)
- Feeling 'foggy' or confused
- Sensitivity to light
Correct answer: Loss of consciousness, even briefly
Any loss of consciousness following a head impact is a red-flag sign requiring emergency medical evaluation, as it may indicate a more serious brain injury.
Question 3: An athlete shows signs of a concussion but insists they feel fine and wants to return to the game. Under NFHS guidelines, what should happen?
- Allow return if the coach approves
- Allow return after a 10-minute rest period
- The athlete must be held out for the remainder of the event (Correct answer)
- Allow return if a parent gives verbal consent
Correct answer: The athlete must be held out for the remainder of the event
NFHS rules require that any athlete suspected of having a concussion not return to play on the same day, regardless of athlete or parental wishes.
Question 4: What is the recommended body position for an unresponsive athlete after a head injury when no spinal injury is suspected?
- Seated upright with head tilted back
- Flat on back with legs elevated
- Recovery position (on their side) (Correct answer)
- Face down to prevent aspiration
Correct answer: Recovery position (on their side)
The recovery position (lateral decubitus) helps maintain an open airway and prevents aspiration if the athlete vomits while unconscious.
Question 5: According to NFHS concussion protocol, who must evaluate an athlete before they are cleared to return to play after a concussion?
- A licensed/certified healthcare professional (Correct answer)
- The head coach
- A parent or legal guardian
- The athletic director
Correct answer: A licensed/certified healthcare professional
NFHS requires written clearance from a licensed or certified healthcare professional trained in concussion evaluation before an athlete may return to play.
Question 6: Which of the following is an appropriate immediate care action when a concussion is suspected?
- Apply ice directly to the skull to reduce brain swelling
- Keep the athlete calm and prevent further physical exertion (Correct answer)
- Give the athlete a sports drink to restore electrolytes
- Encourage the athlete to 'walk it off' on the sideline
Correct answer: Keep the athlete calm and prevent further physical exertion
Keeping the athlete calm and preventing further exertion reduces the risk of second-impact syndrome and allows for proper evaluation.
Question 7: After an athlete is removed from play with a suspected concussion, which group must be notified according to NFHS guidelines?
- State athletic association and media
- Parents/guardians and a healthcare professional (Correct answer)
- Only the school principal
- Team physician and opposing team's staff
Correct answer: Parents/guardians and a healthcare professional
NFHS protocols require that parents or guardians and a healthcare professional be notified so the athlete can receive proper evaluation and the family can make informed decisions.
NFHS Emergency Response & Immediate Care 1
When a student-athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion during practice, what is the FIRST action that must be taken?