TORONTO, Aug 24, 2017 – Parachute has released a statement to clarify the role of concussion baseline testing for Canadian youth and adult athletes.

Concussion baseline testing has become increasingly marketed to athletes throughout Canada as a mandatory or recommended practice to help improve the post-injury care of athletes with suspected concussion.

In response, Parachute has released a set of key recommendations aimed at sport organizations, parents, and healthcare professionals. The recommendations are based on current research and consultation with Parachute’s Expert Advisory Concussion Subcommittee.

Baseline testing is not required for post-injury care of youth athletes with suspected or diagnosed concussion and is not recommended. Rather than using resources for baseline testing, Parachute encourages sport organizations to develop processes within their organizations to “recognize and remove” when a suspected concussion has occurred. Appropriate medical assessment, management, and return to sport are key, as outlined in the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport.

The full Statement on Concussion Baseline Testing in Canada is available at parachutecanada.org/concussion

For more information:

About Parachute

Parachute is a national charity dedicated to reducing the devastating impact of preventable injuries. Injury is the #1 killer of Canadians aged 1 – 44, where one child dies every nine hours. The financial toll is staggering with injury costing the Canadian economy $27B a year. Through education, knowledge and empowerment, Parachute is working to save lives and create an injury-free Canada. For more information, visit us at parachutecanada.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

August 24 & 25:

Isabel Cupryn, Parachute, (647) 776-5119, media@parachutecanada.org

August 26 and onward:

Pamela Fuselli, Parachute, (647) 776-5103, pfuselli@parachutecanada.org

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