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Officer M. Martinez (Left) receives a baseline concussion screening with the assistance of Joe Collins, a resident of the Lehigh Valley. Collins is the Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance Baseline Coordinator, and a retired police corporal.
ALLENTOWN, PA – March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. Lehigh Valley resident Joe Collins, a retired police corporal, and the Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance Baseline Coordinator, is out helping law officers in the Mid-Atlantic region by providing concussion baseline screenings.
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in law enforcement work. Yet, according to Collins, little research exists concerning the frequency or severity of traumatic brain injuries in the field, who experienced a head injury himself while on duty in the Garden State.
“While we know that car crashes, foot pursuits, physical assaults, house fires, severe weather events, and other work activities put police at risk for concussions, little research exists into the frequency or severity of TBIs in law enforcement,” observes Collins.
Collins has provided more than 50 officers this month alone with free, high-tech baseline screenings in partnership with Mid-Atlantic Concussion (MAC) Alliance, Hockessin, DE.
The Law Enforcement Concussion Baseline Testing Program is available to law enforcement agencies throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Any law enforcement agency interested in bringing the program to their officers may contact MAC Alliance at 856-371-7389 or email Collins at jcollins@macphysicians.com.
Through the program, officers receive access to invaluable brain-health baseline screenings. In the event of a head injury, comparing a post-accident screening to the officer’s baseline will help significantly with an accurate diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
This law enforcement baseline program is possible thanks to the commitment of MAC Alliance Medical Director and internationally recognized concussion specialist Dr. Vincent E. Schaller, M.D., DABFM, CIC.
“I have worked with many police officers in my concussion practice, so I understand the head injury risks involved with their work,” says Dr. Schaller. He adds, “My team and I want to give back to these people who have been putting their lives on the line to protect and serve their communities. These baseline tests are a way of showing our appreciation for all that they do.”
Participating officers are provided a confidential, free brain health baseline screening using the infrared eye-tracking technology in EyeGuide Focus. During the 10-second non-invasive test, 1,200 data points of eye movement are captured to chart and analyze objective data to assess the brain’s state of health and wellness, according to EyeGuide.
The information in the EyeGuide report is beneficial in the event of future head injuries, as it can be compared to the post-injury brain for more accurate diagnosis and better post-concussive treatments.
EyeGuide’s brain health screening platform replaces the traditional “follow my finger” test with a simple, fast and affordable way to capture objective data on eye movements and ocular motor function, providing valuable new insights to experts as often as needed, according to Shane Keating, CEO of EyeGuide, Inc.
About Mid-Atlantic Concussion (MAC) Alliance
Mid-Atlantic Concussion Alliance is dedicated to testing, diagnosing, and treating concussions and other TBIs. Since 2010, the group has treated over 13,000 concussion patients, utilizing advanced screening and diagnostic technologies. MAC Alliance’s membership includes more than 100 medical offices, including physical therapy centers, urgent care centers, primary care offices, chiropractors, and occupational health centers. It is headquartered in Hockessin, Delaware, with a location in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
MAC Alliance also works with over 300 schools in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Concussion specialist Vincent E. Schaller, MD, DABFM, CIC, is the president and medical director of MAC Alliance and has been interviewed by ESPN for his concussion expertise. His writings have appeared in The Philadelphia Inquirer and Cape Gazette. More information is available at https://macconcussion.com
Information and image provided by:
Tina Bradford
Writer/Public Relations/Social Media
http://twitter.com/TinaBradfordPR
