Daytona Beach, FL — November 2025 Parents across Volusia County are voicing concerns about whether schools are consistently following concussion and head injury protocols after a recent incident left one family scrambling for answers.
A local parent reported that their child suffered a head injury at school but was not evaluated until another parent intervened, ultimately leading to an emergency room visit to rule out a concussion. The incident has sparked questions about whether Volusia County Schools (VCS) are adequately enforcing concussion management procedures designed to protect students.
District Protocols Exist — But Are They Consistently Applied?
Volusia County Schools has formal concussion protocols in place, supported by a partnership with AdventHealth. Since 2018, AdventHealth has provided the district with ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) software and athletic trainers to help evaluate and manage suspected concussions among student-athletes.
Under Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) rules, any student showing signs of concussion — including dizziness, headache, confusion, or balance problems — must be immediately removed from play and cannot return until cleared by a licensed healthcare professional.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that schools adopt its “Heads Up” concussion management plan, which emphasizes early recognition of symptoms, removal from activity, and medical evaluation before a student returns to academics or athletics.
School nurses are expected to play a critical role in identifying suspected concussions and coordinating safe return-to-learn and return-to-play plans. However, parents say the reality in classrooms and athletic fields does not always match the written policies.
Parents Demand Accountability
“I want all of our kids safe at school,” one parent told the Gazette. “We shouldn’t have to rely on another parent to tell us our child might have a concussion. There should be a clear, immediate response every time.”
Other families have echoed similar frustrations, noting that communication gaps between teachers, coaches, and medical staff can leave parents unaware of potential risks until symptoms worsen.
Expert Perspective
Medical experts stress that concussions are a form of traumatic brain injury and should always be treated with caution. According to the Florida Department of Health, even mild concussions can have lasting effects if not properly managed. Early intervention is critical to preventing complications such as prolonged headaches, difficulty concentrating, or increased risk of repeat injury.
The Path Forward
While VCS has invested in concussion management tools and training, parents argue that enforcement and consistency remain the biggest challenges. Advocates are calling for:
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Mandatory staff training on concussion recognition and response.
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Clear communication protocols to notify parents immediately after a suspected head injury.
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Public reporting on how often concussion protocols are triggered across the district.
As one parent put it, “Protocols on paper don’t protect kids — action does.”
Conclusion
The recent incident has reignited debate over student safety in Volusia County Schools. With growing calls for transparency and accountability, district leaders may soon face pressure to strengthen enforcement of concussion protocols and reassure families that every child’s health is a priority.
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