Local Schools Preparing to Battle Concussions

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – Concussions have become a hot button issue at schools across the country and local districts are starting to take a harder stance on detecting the head injury. 

Dobbs Ferry Superintendent Lisa Brady sent out a statement to parents describing the most recent step the school has taken in helping test for concussions.  Brady said the district has recently purchased “concussion assessment and cognitive testing software” from ImPACT Applications, Inc.      

“The program measures an athlete’s memory, reaction time, processing speed and concentration,” Brady said in the message.  “It is a simple, non-invasive medical tool to help gauge the severity of a head injury.”

Software like this is intended to help aid athletes through the recovery process of concussions by comparing results from before and after an injury. Brady said the program will be integrated before the start of the winter athletics season on Nov. 14 and all athletes will be required to take the 30 minute computer test.

Athletes will also be required to take the test after suffering a concussion and must be medically cleared before they can return to the field.

Hastings superintendent Timothy Connors addressed concussions at a recent board of education meeting and said the district will do more research before making any decisions.

“I think we have to move slowly, on the other hand we understand it’s a very important thing that we have to put some policies and regulations in,” he said.

A new concussion law in New York State goes into effect July 1, 2012 and Connors said it would be important to have discussions with parents as well as physicians as new policies are formed.

“I think it’s a good thing, but I thought it’s also important to educate the public as we move forward,” he said.

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