Lunch N Learn

CONCUSSION WEEK

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 | 12 NOON

Click below to watch the recorded webinar video

CONCUSSION WEEK 2023 PARTNERS IN CONCUSSION EDUCATION UPDATES, CONCUSSION RESEARCH AND EVIDENCE-BASED BEST PRACTICES FOR CONCUSSION CARE.
ATHLETIC THERAPISTS ARE ON THE FRONTLINE OF CONCUSSION CARE.

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Concussion | The "Invisible Injury"

Approximately 150,000 people are affected by concussion every year in Ontario alone.

According to Ontario's Ministry of Education, concussions represent 21 per cent of student injuries.

Each year in Canada, over 20,000 people are hospitalized for TBI, which can range from mild to severe and include concussions. In 2020, the federal government released its third Injury in Review report: Spotlight on Traumatic Brain Injuries Across the Life Course.

Ontario Athletic Therapists are well-trained and competent in the use of all concussion testing and assessment protocols and tools.

The Effect of Concussion on Brain Cell

Source: Syntropy Studio, 2016 (YouTube)

Concussion Research & Education

OATA has been “at the table” of concussion policy and guidelines development for many years, including:

Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation Concussion/mBTI Working Group (2012-2014)

Initial Rowan’s Law Working Group with MPP Lisa MacLeod to push for all-party consensus to proceed with legislation (2015)
OATA made a submission to the Canadian Senate Committee
OATA worked with MD-Briefcase to create an instructional concussion education video for Family Physicians (2018)
OATA was a sponsor of Concussion Education video September 30, 2022.
OATA was a sponsor to Western U series on Concussion Brainstorm September 13, 2022.

Concussion Advocacy

Many OATA Members are engaged in research and advocacy to advance knowledge and concussion care. The Association has chosen to engage in advocacy alliances to reach as many as possible engaged in concussion risk sports and activities.

2016 Concussion Summit, Kingsbridge Centre with Drs. Charles Tator & Michael Czarnotta
OATA was at Queen’s Park as one of the concussion advocacy stakeholders when Rowan’s Law was passed (March, 2018)
OATA involved in annual Rowan’s Law Day activities to promote greater awareness of concussion among youth athletes
OATA partnered with HeadsUP Concussions an Ontario-based concussion advocacy group (2022)
OATA will be hosting a Concussion Summit in 2024

Presented by Hockey Canada.

OATA Partnering with

HEADSUP CAN

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“Our organization is excited to be partnering with the Ontario Athletic Therapist Association (OATA) to provide e-learning resources for its OATA Online Academy platform. At HeadsupCAN, we understand the value Athletic Therapists provide and the vital role they play in concussion recognition, removal, management and prevention in sport. We look forward to furthering our mission of building collaborative network that work to innovate concussion education, research and awareness through this partnership with OATA."

Ryan Sutton, Executive Director of HeadsupCAN

“The OATA and its members have been at the frontline of concussion advocacy long before the Rowan’s Law initiative as part of our unique point of injury and field play training. When a head injury occurs on the field or during competition, Athletic Therapists are responsible for removing athletes from play. We are delighted to be partnering with HeadsupCAN on the critical issue of concussion education.”

Andy Playter, OATA President

“The Ontario Athletic Therapists Association (OATA) is pleased to be partnering with HeadsupCAN to advance concussion research and education throughout Ontario. The OATA’s members are trained to serve on the frontline of athletic injury and are recognized for their role in observing, monitoring, treating and preventing concussions at game and practice level sport activity. Player and patient education is a priority for us and this partnership gives us more tools and a stronger network to accomplish our mutual goals.”

Tony Carbonette, VP.

Rowan Stringer

June 25, 1995 - May 12, 2013

The OATA Commemorates Rowan Stringer and countdown to the 10th Anniversary of her passing (2023) through purchase of a GROVE of 10 Trees with the Canadian Institute of Forestry's Memorial Tree Project.

As most OATA members know, the Association established a leadership role in the post-coroner’s inquiry period, into the death of 17-year old rugby player Rowan Stringer, working with MPP Lisa MacLeod and others to support the Rowan’s Law Advisory Committee Act.

The collective goal was to review and develop policy positions as well as an action plan related to the Coroner’s recommendations to prevent head injuries of this nature and to promote proper concussion treatment and management in Ontario.