SCat-5 Immediate/On-field Assessment
IMMEDIATE OR ON-FIELD ASSESSMENT
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The following elements should be assessed for all athletes who are suspected of having a concussion prior to proceeding to the neurocognitive assessment and ideally should be done on-field after the initial first aid/emergency care priorities are completed.
If any of the “Red Flags“ or observable signs are noted after a direct or indirect blow to the head, the athlete should be immediately and safely removed from participation and evaluated by a physician or licensed healthcare professional. Consideration of transportation to a medical facility should be at the discretion of the physician or licensed healthcare professional.
The GCS is important as a standard measure for all patients and can be done serially if necessary in the event of deterioration in a conscious state. The Maddocks questions and cervical spine exam are critical steps of the immediate assessment; however, these do not need to be done serially.
Step 1: Red Flags
Please select any and all of the items that are related to your current injury/pain.
Step 2: Observable Signs
Step 3: Memory Assessment Maddocks Questions
“I am going to ask you a few questions, please listen carefully and give your best effort. First, tell me what happened?”
Step 4: Examination Glasgow Coma Scale
Step 5: Cervical Spine Assessment
In a patient who is not lucid or fully conscious, a cervical spine injury should be assumed until proven otherwise.
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