GWAS Clinical Concussion Advice
GWAS Clinical Advice Post-Event Medical Advice
This page provides post-treatment medical advice for patients assessed by the GWAS Ambulance Group event medical team.
It is intended for patients, parents, coaches and clinicians following treatment at a sporting or public event.
This guidance does not replace medical assessment.
⚠️ If symptoms worsen or you are concerned seek medical advice. In an emergency call 999.
1. Concussion / Head Injury
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull.
Symptoms may appear immediately or several hours later.
Common symptoms
• Headache
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred or double vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling confused or “foggy”
• Difficulty concentrating
• Unusual behaviour or irritability
• Excessive sleepiness
Urgent medical help (call 999 or attend A&E) if:
• Loss of consciousness
• Repeated vomiting
• Severe or worsening headache
• Seizure or collapse
• Increasing confusion or agitation
• Weakness or numbness in limbs
• Difficulty speaking or walking
Initial recovery advice
For the first 24–48 hours:
Avoid:
• Sport or physical exertion
• Alcohol
• Driving
• Strenuous activity
• Excessive screen time
Rest and allow symptoms to settle.
Return to Sport (GRTP)
Return to sport should follow a Graduated Return to Play (GRTP) protocol.
Typical progression:
1️⃣ Rest until symptom free
2️⃣ Light aerobic activity
3️⃣ Sport specific exercise
4️⃣ Non-contact training
5️⃣ Full training
6️⃣ Return to competition
Progress to the next stage only if symptom free for 24 hours.
External guidance
Note the above GRTP is generic and below is sport-specific protocols - please refer to your own sports governing body for sport specific guidelines.
Polo (Hurlingham Polo Association)
Return to play guidance:
https://hpa-polo.co.uk/download/HPA-Concussion-Guidance-WEB.pdf
Cycling (British Cycling)
Concussion guidance:
Rugby Football Union (RFU)
Head Injury Assessment (HIA) Protocol:
https://phicis.englandrugby.com/downloads/concussion/World_Rugby_HIA_Protocol_EN.pdf
This advice is provided by GWAS Ambulance Group event medical services and reflects current sportsmedicine and prehospital care practice.
GWAS Clinical Wound Care Advice
2. Wound Care Advice
You may have received treatment using:
• Skin glue
• Steri-strips
• Staples
• Dressings
Skin Glue (Tissue Adhesive)
The glue will naturally fall off within 5–10 days.
Avoid:
• Picking the glue
• Scrubbing the wound
• Prolonged soaking
Showering is usually safe after 24 hours.
Steri-Strips
Steri-strips should remain in place for 5–7 days.
If they fall off early, keep the wound clean and dry.
Staples
Staples usually require removal after:
• 7–10 days (face/scalp)
• 10–14 days (body or limbs)
Arrange removal through a GP or minor injury unit.
Seek medical review if:
• Redness spreading from wound
• Increasing pain
• Swelling
• Pus or discharge
• Fever
These may indicate infection.
This advice is provided by GWAS Ambulance Group event medical services and reflects current sportsmedicine and prehospital care practice.
GWAS ClinicalStrains & Sprains Advice
3. Strains & Sprains
A strain or sprain occurs when muscles or ligaments are overstretched or torn.
Early treatment
Use the PRICE principle:
Protect the injured area
Rest the joint
Ice for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours
Compression with bandage
Elevation where possible
Pain relief
Over-the-counter medications such as:
• Paracetamol
• Ibuprofen (after 24hrs)
May help relieve discomfort.
Always follow packaging instructions.
Seek medical review if:
• Severe swelling
• Inability to weight bear
• Visible deformity
• Persistent pain after several days
These may indicate fracture or ligament injury..
This advice is provided by GWAS Ambulance Group event medical services and reflects current sportsmedicine and prehospital care practice.
GWAS ClinicalStrains & Sprains Advice
4. Contusions (Bruising / Soft Tissue Injury)
A contusion is a bruise caused by blunt impact.
Common in sports such as:
• Polo
• Cycling
• Rugby
• Equestrian sport
Symptoms
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Reduced movement
Management
• Rest the injured area
• Apply ice for 15–20 minutes
• Compression bandage if advised
• Gentle movement as tolerated
Seek medical advice if
• Severe swelling
• Numbness or tingling
• Increasing pain
• Reduced limb function
These may indicate deeper injury or fracture.
This advice is provided by GWAS Ambulance Group event medical services and reflects current sportsmedicine and prehospital care practice.
GWAS Clinical Records
Clinical Records
Full clinical documentation is held by GWAS Ambulance Group unless the Pt has brought a copy with them, therefore...
If a clinician or hospital requires the full Patient Care Record (PCR) please contact:
GWAS Ambulance Group
📧 Email: info@gwasambulance.co.uk
💬 WhatsApp: 07427 652452
Records can be securely provided to NHS email addresses or to the Patients own email address
This advice is provided by GWAS Ambulance Group event medical services and reflects current sportsmedicine and prehospital care practice.
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