HeadStrong Community
Nurturing Recovery Through Compassionate Care,
One Home Visit at a Time
Community Paramedicine at Home
Welcome to HeadStrong Community, an innovative pilot initiative aimed at leveraging paramedicine to improve outcomes and address disparieites in pediatric Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI). Through this program, we work with athletic directors, community paramedicine professionals, emergency departments, urgent cares, and primary care physicians to create a comprehensive support network for children and their families during the path to recovery. Dedicated teams of community paramedics and EMS professionals deliver ongoing follow up care through home visits, ensuring that children receive the tailored support they need to safely return to learning and activity.
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As a pilot initiative, HeadStrong Community is at the forefront of exploring new approaches to pediatric mTBI care. By partnering with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, we aim to not only provide effective treatment but also to gather valuable insights and data to inform future practices and policies. Together, we are pioneering a model of care that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and the well-being of children as they navigate the challenges of mTBI recovery and return to their daily lives with confidence.
A Collaborative Partnership:
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Together, we are turning setbacks into comebacks
Be Prepared for a Child with an mTBI
FAMILIES
Families being prepared for an mTBI can make all the difference in their child's recovery. We believe empowerment starts with education and preparation. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of concussions and mTBIs, understand the importance of seeking prompt medical attention, and create a supportive environment at home. By staying informed about available resources and by being proactive in advocating for your child's needs, families ensure they are equipped to navigate the challenges of mTBI recovery. Through the HeadStrong Community project, we provide families with the tools, resources, and support they need to be confident advocates for their child's well-being, fostering a sense of resilience and empowerment within the family unit as they journey towards healing together.
SCHOOLS
Schools play a vital role in supporting children with mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (mTBI) as they transition back to learning and activity. HeadStrong Community works closely with schools to ensure they are prepared to provide a safe and supportive environment for these children. This preparation includes educating teachers, coaches, and staff about the signs and symptoms of mTBI, implementing appropriate accommodations and modifications in the classroom, and fostering a culture of understanding and empathy for students recovering from brain injuries. By collaborating with schools, we aim to create a seamless transition for children returning to academics and extracurricular activities, promoting their overall well-being and academic success. Through our partnership with schools, we empower educators to effectively support students with mTBI, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for all students.
ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
In many cases, athletic directors are often the first person to evaluate a child who receives any sort of concussion or sports-related injury. As part of the HeadStrong Community project, athletic directors are provided with specialized training and resources to effectively support students with mTBI as they return to sports and physical activity. This preparation involves understanding the signs and symptoms of mTBI, implementing appropriate protocols for injury recognition and management, and collaborating with healthcare professionals to create individualized return-to-play plans. By fostering a culture of safety and awareness within their athletic programs, coaches and athletic directors promote the health and resilience of student-athletes. Through ongoing education and support, they better help students with an mTBI can safely participate in sports and activities, empowering them to thrive both on and off the field.
COMMUNITY PARAMEDICS
Through at-home visits, the community paramedics (CP) we partner with provide elevated care and additional recovery guidance for children with mTBIs. Preparation for CPs involves comprehensive training on recognizing and assessing the unique needs of children with mTBI, including understanding the symptoms and potential complications that may arise. Additionally, paramedics receive training on effective communication techniques to engage with both the child and their family. By equipping paramedics with the necessary knowledge and skills, we ensure that each child with an mTBI receives timely and appropriate follow up care in the comfort of their home. Through ongoing education and support, community paramedics become integral members of the interdisciplinary team, contributing to the overall success of the HeadStrong Community initiative in promoting children's health and well-being.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS
Though not on-site to where a child receives an injury, emergency departments (ED's) are usually the first to provide medical treatment, making it crucial for these healthcare facilities to be well-prepared in providing timely and appropriate care. ED's are provided in-depth resources from academic medical centers and leaders in the field to enhance their ability to recognize, diagnose, and manage and mTBI in a pediatric patient. This preparation includes implementing evidence-based protocols for evaluation and treatment, as well as ensuring that staff members are trained in pediatric-specific concussion management practices. ED's can improve their capacity to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care to children with mTBI by partnering with the HeadStrong Community, ultimately contributing to better outcomes and long-term recovery.
PEDIATRICIANS & URGENT CARES
Like the ED's, pediatricians and urgent cares are part of the early recognition and management of mTBIs in children. Your pediatrician has previously evaluated, gotten to know, and built a report with your child, making them a trusted advisor through the recovery process. Pediatricians and urgent cares are prepared with education on the latest guidelines for mTBI diagnosis and management, as well as protocols for follow-up care and monitoring of symptoms. By collaborating with us, they can improve their ability to identify and address mTBI in pediatric patients. Through ongoing support and education, pediatricians and urgent cares work with the CPs and the families to ensure that children with mTBI receive the high-quality care they need to thrive.
