Danish First Aid Council raises awareness about head injuries at sports clubs across Denmark

Many individuals lack access to the right assistance after falling off a horse or experiencing a blow to the head in a boxing ring. The Danish First Aid Council is currently touring sports clubs to raise awareness about proper first aid procedures for head injuries. “We want to emphasize that first aid is more than just CPR,” says Teis Krag, chair of the education committee at the Danish First Aid Council.

According to the Danish Center for Concussion, around 25,000 children and adults in Denmark suffer from concussions each year, and approximately 40 percent of these cases result in long-term issues such as fatigue and chronic headaches. The council hopes that improved first aid can help reduce these lasting effects.

For suspected concussions, the recommended first aid steps are: have the injured person sit or lie down, assess their consciousness and be prepared to start resuscitation if necessary, treat any other injuries, keep the neck stable if there is a neck injury suspicion, and call emergency services if symptoms do not improve or worsen. Stay with the injured person and ensure a reliable individual accompanies them for the next 24 hours.

At Ladelund Riding Club near Brørup, an instructor from the Danish First Aid Council visited to teach members how to handle head injuries. Erik Justesen, a board member, noted, “If you fall and hit your head, that’s not good.” During the session, participants learned, among other things, that it is crucial to keep the head still if a concussion is suspected. Additionally, a common myth was addressed: it is not true that individuals with concussions must not sleep, but they should be monitored.

The Danish First Aid Council plans to visit 70 sports clubs by the end of November, focusing particularly on riding schools and martial arts organizations.