During a suspected concussion assessment, which is an important step?

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Prepare for the American Red Cross R.24 Lifeguarding Exam! Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations. Ensure your success!

When assessing a suspected concussion, an important step is to immediately halt all physical activities. This is crucial because engaging in physical exertion can exacerbate the symptoms associated with a concussion and potentially lead to further injury. The brain needs to rest in order to recover from the trauma, and allowing the child to continue with physical activities could increase the risk of complications, such as second impact syndrome, where the brain sustains another injury before it has fully healed from the first.

Halting activities allows for proper evaluation of the child's condition and minimizes the risk of worsening their symptoms. It's essential to follow established protocols for concussion management, which prioritize safety and recovery, and immediate cessation of activity is fundamental in these protocols. This step enables medical personnel to conduct further assessments and decide if medical attention is required.