This was a message from the PRU president sent today... This would be
the perfect examples of why I need to know your injuries and if you
get hit in the head or not during a game... This does not happen
often but when it does we need to be prepared for it. Also MORE OFTEN
THAN NOT these types of injuries occur because players are not
trained properly, they use poor technique, or they hesitate.



Yesterday, I was witness to a concussion which, as it turned out, was
a life-threatening injury. The Longwood University player, Todd
Miller, was hit in the head, played another minute or two, and then
asked to be subbed out. A couple of minutes later, he collapsed on
the sideline, unconscious. A former EMT happened to be present
(parent of another player) and he rendered aid while the ambulance
arrived. The player was transported to a local hospital and then air-
evaced to a neurological trauma center. The doctors performed
surgery. (I do not know the underlying problems, but obviously
something more complicated than a simple concussion). As of this
morning, the player is still unconscious, and beyond that, I do not
know any more details. Please keep this player in your prayers.

"A former EMT happened to be present (parent of another player)" - Do
you have a medically trained person on your sideline? What will you
do when a serious injury happens? The PRU recommends you retain the
services of an athletic trainer (yes, that will cost you $30/hour),
but you can find a volunteer doctor, nurse, or EMT who knows how to
deal with serious injuries. The PRU can assist you in finding an ATC.

I am reminded of another player's funeral that I went to last year.
He got a concussion, spent three days in the hospital, was discharged
to home, and died a week later.

Please, remember - a CONCUSSION is a BRAIN INJURY. If you are unsure
as to the severity (and most of you should be since you're not
medically trained), call the ambulance or otherwise get the player to
a hospital to be evaluated. More information about concussions is
posted on the PRU web site under Medical Info. Please read it today.

Eric Pittelkau
PRU President
C 703-587-7462