CDC Heads Up Rocket Blades

Clinical review

Reviewer: Sarah Woodward, Physiotherapist, Bay of Plenty
Date of review: April 2021
Comments: Rocket Blades is a fun game developed for young children to educate them about concussion injury and safety. It involves racing characters via roller skates through obstacles, with clear repetitive messages about how to manage a concussion injury when this occurs during the game. Some features may reproduce concussion symptoms such as blurred screen when the character is injured. The repeated messages include learning points directed at children about the importance of getting rest, getting help, that helmets alone cannot prevent concussion and that hitting your head can cause a brain injury. 

Children who play this game will gain clear messages about the importance of seeking help and resting if they sustain a concussion injury. It may raise their awareness and help them to take action in response to these injuries.
Safety concerns: None.
New Zealand relevance: Relevant to a New Zealand audience.  
  

Clinical review

Reviewer: Jeremy Steinberg, GP, RNZCGP
Date of review: November 2018
Comments: This is a “brain safety” game for children aged 6–8. It teaches children about some of the signs and symptoms of concussion, the importance of telling an adult if you hit your head and seeing a doctor before you can return to play.
It is a platformer game with 6 levels, with the objective being to avoid obstacles while collecting as many gems as possible before making it to the end. If you hit your head your screen becomes blurry until you rest. If you hit your head twice then you are forced to rest. You see a doctor at the end of each level who checks up on you, and helps you get better if you hit your head. The information is very basic but probably age appropriate.
Safety concerns: None.
New Zealand relevance: Relevant to a New Zealand audience.