Concussion and
first aid
On this page
Early action matters. The right steps can support a smoother recovery and protect your brain health for the future. We want everyone to feel confident recognising the signs of a concussion and knowing what to do next.
The 5 Rs of concussion response
Early response protects the brain.
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04
Recover
Prioritise rest and sleep. Keep screen time brief and take breaks often.
Learn more
Recognise: signs and symptoms
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and they may appear right away, hours or even days later.
Headaches
Dizziness or imbalance
Confusion or memory problems
Feeling sick or vomiting (once)
Vision changes: blurry or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling unusually tired, slowed down, or ‘not yourself’
Headaches
Dizziness or imbalance
Confusion or memory problems
Feeling sick or vomiting (once)
Vision changes: blurry or double vision
Sensitivity to light or noise
Feeling unusually tired, slowed down, or ‘not yourself’
Red flag warning signs
Seek urgent medical care (call 111 or go to A&E) if you notice:
- Loss of consciousness for more than 1 minute
- One pupil larger than the other
- Repeated vomiting, seizures, or severe headache
- Worsening confusion, drowsiness, or personality changes
- Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears
- Slurred speech, weakness, or loss of coordination
- In children: inconsolable crying, refusal to feed, bulging soft spot (infants), or cannot be woken
Remove: if in doubt, sit them out
Why it matters
If someone has a suspected concussion, removing them from what they’re doing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect their brain. Whether it’s sport, work, school, or daily activities at home, stopping straight away gives the brain a chance to rest, prevents further harm, and reduces the risk of serious and long-term complications.
A second knock before full recovery can be very dangerous and may lead to brain swelling, permanent damage, or even death.
Removing someone from further risk also means they can be properly checked and either diagnosed or safely cleared. If a concussion is confirmed, they can get the right support, monitoring, and guidance for recovery.
Removing is not overreacting. It’s taking concussion seriously, keeping people safe, and giving the brain the best chance to heal well.
Refer: see a doctor
Why it matters
Recognising the signs and symptoms means there is a suspected concussion. Only a doctor can diagnose or clear a concussion, and they can provide important guidance and support for recovery. If in doubt, check it out.
Early assessment and treatment lead to better outcomes. It’s important to see a GP within 1–2 days, even if symptoms seem mild or the person feels “okay.”
If not enrolled with a doctor, contact a local medical centre, visit an A&E clinic, or call Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice. Unless urgent care is needed, a GP or medical centre is the best first step.
If there are RED FLAGS at any time, seek urgent medical care immediately – call 111 or go to A&E.
If symptoms don’t improve, worsen, or recovery feels off track, go back to the GP or doctor. They may refer to a specialist concussion service or other supports. A follow-up appointment around 7–10 days after the initial assessment is recommended to monitor recovery. If symptoms are persisting beyond this or significantly affecting daily life, the GP may refer to a FREE concussion service.
Recovery is different for everyone. With the right tools and support, most people will fully recover. If your symptoms linger, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It simply means your brain needs more time to heal itself.
Recover: rest and reducing activities
Why it matters
Recovery starts with relative rest for the first day or two. This means reducing both physical and mental load while still staying gently active with light, simple tasks as tolerated.
Avoid activities that worsen symptoms, and gradually return to normal routines in a step-by-step way, guided by how the person feels. Good sleep, hydration, regular meals, and limiting screens, stress, and high-risk activities all support healing.
If symptoms are getting worse, not improving, or making daily life difficult, seek medical advice.
Return: gradual return to normal activities
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A concussion or brain injury can affect your ability to work. Whether you’ve taken time off or stayed at work, every recovery is different. Every brain is different, and healing happens at its own pace.
Check out our Return to Work page for advice and support on a successful return to work.
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Your school plays a key role in supporting your return to learning, managing your workload, and navigating assessments after a concussion. Headway has collaborated with leading researchers to create Headsmart Schools NZ — a resource designed to help students and schools work together on effective concussion management. You can find more detailed guidance there.
Our free school-based workshops aim to ensure every student with a concussion is recognised, supported, and able to return to learning and activity with confidence. We’re Auckland-based and available to visit schools across the region. Click below to arrange a session or learn more about our concussion workshops.
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If you’re no longer experiencing symptoms, you can return to your usual training after 14 days. We strongly recommend easing back into activity and getting medical clearance before returning to your normal sports routine. Visit our Concussion in Sport page for guidance and support to help you return to sport successfully.