Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia (Connectivity) today launched their much anticipated Concussion Short Course, a free, online course that will increase the awareness and understanding of concussion and its potential consequences throughout the community.
Developed in partnership with the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania, the course has been designed for participants to further understand concussion – its diagnosis, treatment and paths to recovery.
Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It is a type of head injury that can result from a hit, bump or jolt to the head or body that causes the brain to move within the skull. Concussions most commonly occur through falls, motor vehicle accidents, at the workplace, in situations of violence, and on the sporting field.
Which is why the need for concussion education is paramount.
With an estimated 180,000 mild traumatic brain injuries occurring in Australia each year, the Concussion Short Course aims to educate those in the community who may be first responders. This includes mums and dads, grass roots coaches and umpires, carers of the elderly and those who may be first on the scene at both traffic accidents and domestic violence situations.
“Knowledge about concussion and how it should be managed is critical for people who encounter these injuries firsthand” said Connectivity CEO, Professor Lindy Fitzgerald.
“This short online course provides that knowledge and guidance, as well as advice on the sorts of healthcare providers to contact if symptoms persist. The course delivers resources that can be used by anyone who encounters concussion.”
The course calls upon the expertise of Dr Jenna Ziebell from the University of Tasmania, Dr Gill Cowen from the West Australian Concussion Network and Dr Chris Levi, Director of the John Hunter Hospital Health and Innovation Precinct. Providing a deeper and more personal perspective, the course also offers insights from people with lived experience, some of whom have suffered multiple concussions.
Alongside the experts, the course content was reviewed by over 50 stakeholders including the Connectivity Expert Committee, and community advisory groups including those with lived experience of concussion.
Information within the Concussion Short Course is presented in clear and easy to understand formats that include video, text and downloadable content. The material within the course has been designed to be self-paced, and take approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete.
In Perth, the Western Australian Football Commission showed its support of the course.
“We are proud to support Connectivity on the launch of this initiative” said WAFC CEO Michael Roberts.
“We look forward to working together with Connectivity to promote, enhance and educate our community on this important health issue.
The online launch saw more than 300 attendees nationwide register to learn more about the Concussion Short Course and what they could do to help increase concussion awareness across Australia.
The Concussion Short Course is free, online and live now.
The full launch video is available for viewing below: