Brain Injury Care Guidelines for First Responders Released

Over 50 experts have developed the first comprehensive guidelines for recognizing, diagnosing, and managing traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in first responders, published in The Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. The 28 recommendations aim to achieve five key goals: timely TBI recognition, safe recovery, operational readiness, reduced stigma, and first responder-centered care. These evidence-based guidelines represent the first consensus approach addressing the unique challenges first responders face when sustaining brain injuries on the job. The guidelines will help emergency personnel and healthcare professionals improve outcomes while supporting the occupational health of firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other first responders who face elevated TBI risks.