First response: concussion, asthma, seizure and heat
Recognize, remove, refer. Coaches do not diagnose or treat.
For coaches and volunteers
Concussion
Remove the athlete from play for a suspected concussion. Do not allow same-day return. Follow medical evaluation and return-to-play requirements.
Asthma
Follow the athlete's clinician-developed action plan. Confirm rescue medication access through the approved process and call 911 for severe breathing trouble.
Seizure
Protect from injury, clear the area, time the seizure and do not restrain the person or put anything in the mouth. Follow the athlete's action plan.
Heat emergency
Stop activity, move to a cool area and begin rapid cooling. Call 911 for confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness or suspected heat stroke.
Athlete-specific plans
Parents should provide current clinician-approved asthma, seizure, allergy or other emergency plans when applicable. Store and share them only through the league-approved confidential process.
Coach boundary
Recognize, remove from activity, provide first aid within your training, activate emergency services and refer for medical evaluation. Do not improvise treatment or return an athlete to play against medical restrictions.
Official resources
- CDC HEADS UP coach training (https://www.cdc.gov/heads-up/)
- NHLBI Asthma Action Plan (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/asthma-action-plan-2020)
- CDC first aid for seizures (https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/about/first-aid.html)
- CDC heat and athletes (https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/)
Seeing SLMA Sports Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD
Primary Care Sports Medicine & Family Medicine
Joseph Michael Garcia, MD is a physician specializing in family medicine and sports medicine. Fellowship trained in sports medicine at the University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa, residency at LSU – Alexandria, and board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. He cares for athletes of every age — injury evaluation, non-surgical treatment, concussion care, sports physicals, and return-to-play planning.
Call to be seen985-262-1639
SLMA Comprehensive Health Clinic, Houma605 Enterprise Drive, Suite B, Houma, LA 70360
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SLMA Sports Medicine | 985-262-1639 — General education only. Follow stricter league rules and your clinician's instructions. Coaches do not diagnose or treat injuries.
