Course curriculum

    1. Introduction

    2. Preassessment - take this quiz as a pre-training self-assessment to test your knowledge

    1. What is a concussion and what happens to the brain?

    2. Common causes of combat sport-related concussion

    3. Module I: Learning Check

    1. Red flags, signs and symptoms of concussion

    2. Second Impact Syndrome

    3. Category one concussion and serious head injury indicators

    4. Module II: Learning Check

    1. What to do when you witness or suspect someone has had a concussion during or after sparring or after returning home from a contest?

    2. Concussion Management: The first 24 - 48 hours following injury

    3. After 48 hours: Returning to sport and other activities

    4. How long does it take to recover? Persistent post-concussion symptoms

    5. Concussion recovery support team

    6. Combatant's Pre-Contest Declaration

    7. Module III: Learning Check

    1. Sparring

    2. Rapid weight loss (weight cutting)

    3. Concussion tests

    4. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

    5. Concussion awareness and education within your gym

    6. Headgear and Mouthguards

    7. Lived experience - Erin

    8. Lived experience - Tyler

    9. Lived experience - Jamie

    10. Completion of Combat Sport-Related Concussion Special Interest Topics

    1. Introduction

    2. Stopping and ending the contest

    3. Category one concussion and other serious head injury indicators

    4. AMP accreditation

    5. Responsibilities of attending medical practitioners

    6. Conclusion

About this course

  • Free
  • 35 lessons
  • 0.5 hours of video content

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Presenter - Professor Melinda Fitzgerald

Professor of Neurotrauma, CEO Connectivity, DVCR Curtin University

Melinda Fitzgerald is the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research at Curtin University, John Curtin Distinguished Professor and CEO of Connectivity Traumatic Brain Injury Australia. Prof Fitzgerald leads a team of researchers and post-graduate students in nationally coordinated research focused around understanding and preventing the loss of function that occurs following neurotrauma.

Dr. Gill Cowen

MBBS MA(Oxon) DRCOG DSH FRACGP MSportMed PGCert Health Leadership

Dr. Gill Cowen has worked in private practice as a General Practitioner and Sports Doctor in regional Western Australia. After relocating to Perth, she worked as a Sports Doctor and Medical Adviser for the Department of Veteran Affairs, until her appointment in 2021 as the Medical Officer for Western Command, Australian Federal Police. She is currently also a Senior Lecturer (teaching and research) at Curtin Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University. Dr. Cowen has extensive sports medicine experience including working as Team Doctor for South Fremantle and Peel Thunder WAFCs, WA State Colts Team Doctor, ALFW Concussion Doctor and providing her services at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Dr. Reece Granger

B.Sc (Chiro), B.Chiro (Hons), Postgraduate – M.Biomed.Sc (Neuroscience), UWA (2025)

Dr Reece Granger is an accomplished, Murdoch-trained chiropractor, holding multiple degrees. He is currently immersed in Biomedical Science at UWA, with a focus on neuroscience. With a special interest in concussion, strength and conditioning, and sports injuries, Reece navigates the complex intersection of health and wellness with a professionalism that reflects his commitment to patient-centric care and continual advancement within the field.

Alexander Ring

Bachelor of Physiotherapy, APAM

Alexander Ring is a Physiotherapist from Perth, WA. Since graduating in 1988, and working overseas including a war zone, he started specialising in the field of Balance and Vestibular disorders in 1994, completing his Basic, Advanced, Vestibular Testing and Observership in Atlanta. He holds two adjunct university appointments with Curtin School of Allied Health and Murdoch University. He teaches as adjunct faculty on the University of Pittsburgh’s Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist Certification Program. He runs dedicated clinics 4 days a week in the areas of Concussion, Balance and Vestibular disorders.