Supporting rugby concussion awareness

The training will be delivered from the NES Mobile Skills Unit (MSU), a facility developed to support the delivery of clinical skills training and education to healthcare practitioners, the emergency services and members of the public across Scotland.

The Mobile Skills Unit will be a hub of activity from 10am to 5.30pm at the National Schools Cup Finals on Wednesday 6 December and at the National Youth Cup Finals on Sunday 17 December, and will be open for members of the public and spectators to attend.

Learners will have the opportunity to engage in dynamic, interactive sessions focused on concussion awareness and promoting brain health for older individuals.

Training will be led by Scottish Rugby’s Player Welfare Manager, Dr. Karen Barclay, and a team of specialists from NES, Brain Health Scotland and Scottish Brain Sciences.

As part of this comprehensive initiative, the Mobile Skills Unit will also be accessible between 11am and 1pm on Saturday 16 December for spectators attending Edinburgh Rugby’s highly anticipated EPCR Challenge Cup clash against Castres Olympique at Hive Stadium.

In addition to this, both Scottish Rugby colleagues and Young Ambassadors linked to the CashBack School of Rugby Programme will use the Unit to engage in Basic Life Saving Skills training, including CPR.

NHS Education for Scotland (NES) CEO Professor Karen Reid said:

“Concussion in sport is a serious issue, and people need to know how to treat it and what to do if it occurs. That’s why we’re delighted that our Mobile Skills Unit is able to support these rugby events.

“At NES we provide education and training that supports better health for the people of Scotland. Our MSU is a state-of-the-art simulation facility which tours Scotland giving healthcare professionals and other people a chance to learn or improve their life-saving skills. Our simulators will help people understand the latest guidance around concussion and learn what they need to do to if they’re ever called upon.”

Discussing the initiative, Dr Barclay said:

“I am absolutely thrilled to bring the NES Mobile Skills Unit to Scottish Gas Murrayfield this month. While our commitment to the Tackle Height Law Trials is actively addressing concussion reduction in our community game, education remains pivotal to enhancing awareness and management when incidents occur.

“This is a unique opportunity for Scottish Rugby to provide important player welfare training and reinforce our key message of ‘If In Doubt, Sit Them Out’.

“I’m also pleased that we will be able to take the time to use the Unit to help colleagues across the business understand basic principles in delivering assistance in the event of a serious injury or illness until more skilled help arrives. These skills and practices can and do save lives.

“I am really looking forward to welcoming spectators, players and colleagues alike to engage in our training.”