Hockey Canada launched free concussion awareness apps for smartphones and tablets recently with the endorsement and support of Team Canada alumnus Sidney Crosby.
The apps are available in both English and French, with versions for both adults and children.
They include a variety of resources and information on concussions, focusing on prevention, respect, rules, symptoms and return-to-play protocol.
The apps are available for Blackberry, iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded free from several websites and platforms, including Hockey Canada, Blackberry’s App World, iTunes and Google Play Store.
“This is a great tool to use if there is a concern that a player may have a concussion,” says BC Hockey branch co-ordinator for safety/risk management Anne Deitch.
“It provides readily available lists of signs, symptoms, what questions to ask and a list of resources in their area should the user have further questions. The children’s app educates young players on the signs and symptoms in a fun way to help them understand why they should not mask or ignore concussion signs.”
The children's app also teaches them how to prevent concussion through respect and playing by the rules, Deitch adds.