Scottish Rugby has teamed up with various healthcare organizations to raise awareness about concussion and promote brain health in the sport. In collaboration with NHS Education for Scotland (NES), Brain Health Scotland, Scottish Brain Sciences, and sportscotland, player welfare training will be offered at Scottish Gas Murrayfield throughout December.
The training sessions will be held at the NES Mobile Skills Unit (MSU), which is designed to facilitate clinical skills training and education for healthcare professionals, emergency services personnel, and the general public across Scotland. The MSU will be operational from 10am to 5.30pm at both the National Schools Cup Finals on Wednesday, 6 December, and the National Youth Cup Finals on Sunday, 17 December, providing the public and spectators with the opportunity to attend.
Individuals will participate in dynamic, interactive sessions focused on concussion awareness and brain health promotion for older individuals. The training will be led by Scottish Rugby’s Player Welfare Manager, Dr. Karen Barclay, along with a team of specialists from NES, Brain Health Scotland, and Scottish Brain Sciences.
In an effort to improve player welfare, the MSU will also be available from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, 16 December, for spectators attending Edinburgh Rugby’s EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Castres Olympique at Hive Stadium. Additionally, Scottish Rugby colleagues and Young Ambassadors associated with the CashBack School of Rugby Programme will utilize the Unit to undergo Basic Life Saving Skills training, including CPR.
Professor Karen Reid, CEO of NHS Education for Scotland (NES), highlighted the importance of education and training in addressing concussion in sport. She expressed her delight in the MSU’s involvement in supporting rugby events and emphasized its role in providing healthcare professionals and the community with essential life-saving skills.
Dr. Karen Barclay expressed her enthusiasm for bringing the NES Mobile Skills Unit to Scottish Gas Murrayfield, stressing the importance of education in raising awareness and managing incidents of concussion. She reiterated the key message of ‘If In Doubt, Sit Them Out’, emphasizing Scottish Rugby’s commitment to reducing concussion in the community game.
Dr. Barclay also expressed satisfaction in using the Unit to educate colleagues across the business on delivering assistance in the event of a serious injury or illness. She emphasized the life-saving potential of these skills and practices, highlighting their ability to make a difference in critical situations.
As part of the collaboration, the training invites spectators, players, and colleagues to participate in the educational sessions. For further inquiries, individuals may contact [email protected].
This initiative demonstrates the proactive steps being taken to prioritize player welfare and safety within the sphere of rugby. By partnering with healthcare experts, Scottish Rugby is making significant strides in promoting greater awareness and understanding of concussion, ultimately contributing to a safer and more informed sporting environment.