Concussion
first aid
On this page
Suspect a concussion and know what to do
Early response protects the brain.
Recognise: signs and symptoms
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and they may appear right away, hours or even days later.
Headaches
Dizziness or imbalance
Confusion or memory problems
Feeling sick or vomiting (once)
Vision changes: blurry or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling unusually tired, slowed down, or ‘not yourself’
Headaches
Dizziness or imbalance
Confusion or memory problems
Feeling sick or vomiting (once)
Vision changes: blurry or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling unusually tired, slowed down, or ‘not yourself’
Red flag warning signs
Seek urgent medical care (call 111 or go to A&E) if you notice:
- Loss of consciousness for more than 1 minute
- One pupil larger than the other
- Repeated vomiting, seizures, or severe headache
- Worsening confusion, drowsiness, or personality changes
- Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears
- Slurred speech, weakness, or loss of coordination
- In children: inconsolable crying, refusal to feed, bulging soft spot (infants), or cannot be woken
Remove
If there are any of the signs or symptoms of a suspected concussion, remove from further risk.
Why it matters
If someone has a suspected concussion, removing them from what they’re doing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their brain. Whether it’s sport, work, school, or daily activities at home, stopping straight away gives the brain a chance to rest, prevents further harm, and reduces the risk of serious and long-term complications.
A second knock before full recovery can be very dangerous and may lead to brain swelling, permanent damage, or even death.
Removing someone from further risk also means they can be properly checked and either diagnosed or safely cleared. If a concussion is confirmed, they can get the right support, monitoring, and guidance for recovery.
Removing is not overreacting. It’s taking concussion seriously, keeping people safe, and giving the brain the best chance to heal well.
Refer: see a doctor
Why it matters
Recognising the signs and symptoms means there is a suspected concussion. Only a doctor can diagnose or clear a concussion, and they can provide important guidance and support for recovery. If in doubt, check it out.
Early assessment and treatment lead to better outcomes. It’s important to see a GP within 1–2 days, even if symptoms seem mild or the person feels “okay.”
If not enrolled with a doctor, contact a local medical centre, visit an A&E clinic, or call Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice. Unless urgent care is needed, a GP or medical centre is the best first step.
If there are RED FLAGS at any time, seek urgent medical care immediately – call 111 or go to A&E.
If symptoms don’t improve, worsen, or recovery feels off track, go back to the GP or doctor. They may refer to a specialist concussion service or other supports. A follow-up appointment around 7–10 days after the initial assessment is recommended to monitor recovery. If symptoms are persisting beyond this or significantly affecting daily life, the GP may refer to a FREE concussion service.
Recognising the signs of concussion and knowing what to do next is the best way to protect your whānau, friends and teammates.