5 Critical Pulse Points: Circulation Assessment in Unstable Patients

BOC Domains of Athletic Training: Domain II - Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis Domain III - Critical Incident Management Domain IV - Therapeutic Intervention Course Description: This course focuses on the crucial aspect of circulation assessment in emergency sports medicine. Participants will learn to accurately assess circulation, identify circulatory changes in unstable patients, and determine the most effective emergency interventions. The course covers a range of topics, including the identification of critical pulse points, understanding the implications of various pulse characteristics, and the importance of rapid and effective response to circulatory emergencies. Learning Objectives: Understand the importance of determining accurate measures of circulation. Identify critical findings and appropriate emergency interventions related to circulatory changes in an unstable patient. Clinical Practice Gap Statement: There exists a gap in the systematic assessment and management of circulatory issues in sports-related emergencies. This gap often leads to delayed recognition and response to circulatory changes, impacting patient outcomes. This course aims to bridge this gap by enhancing athletic trainers' skills in circulatory assessment and intervention. Clinical Bottom Line Statement: Effective management of circulatory issues is essential in sports emergency care. Enhancing athletic trainers' ability to accurately assess circulation and implement timely interventions can significantly improve outcomes in circulatory emergencies.

A native of St. Joseph, LA and a 1990 graduate of LSU, Castle has an extensive background in education, clinical practice, and professional service spanning over 32 years. Dr. Castle's clinical practice background has included experiences at the high school, college, and international (1996 Atlanta Olympic Games; USOC Sports Medicine Staff for 2003 Pan American Games; and 2004 US Women's Bobsled) levels, large-scale medical coverage and coordination, as well as extensive experience in emergency medicine. He received his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from Louisiana State University, where he began as an athletic training student.  Ray received his Master of Science and his Doctor of Philosophy in Human Performance and Recreation from The University of Mississippi. Additionally, Ray is a nationally registered emergency medical technician (NREMT) as well as an EMS Instructor through the Louisiana State Bureau of EMS. Castle is nationally known and recognized for his skills and contributions to advancing the athletic training profession and advocacy for sports health and safety through 200+ presentations, research projects, and publications.  He has served in various leadership roles in state, regional, and national organizations, including a member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association Education Council (2004-2008), Board Commissioner on the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) from 2011-2017, and Vice-President of the Louisiana Athletic Trainers' Association (2013-2016). Ray is also the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, including National Athletic Trainers' Association Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer (MDAT) in 2017, induction into the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 2014, and Louisiana Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 2019. After a 20-year stay at LSU where he was Professor and Athletic Training Program Director, Castle transitioned in August 2022 to devote his energy and passion to Action Medicine Consultants, LLC, as Owner and Chief Medical Officer since 2012. His company provides sports medicine event coordination; emergency medicine and response training; EAP development and audits for organizations; and continuing education courses. One of his most recent activities was serving as a consultant for the Louisiana High School Athletics Association in the development and implementation of its Pre-Game Administrative Conference (PAC), or “medical time-out” program. He currently serves as medical coordinator for over 20 large-scale events in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Ray is married to the former Katherine Vanduzee of Baton Rouge, LA. Katherine is an administrative assistant who attended LSU.

Action Medicine Consultants, LLC (BOC AP#: P12095) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers (ATs). This program is eligible for a maximum of 0.50 Category A hours/CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program. GENERAL DISCLAIMER: It is the responsibility of the participant, relying on the independent expertise and knowledge of the patient, to determine the best treatment and method of application for the patient. Participants must use discretion when using the information contained within this presentation.  The presenter has provided the following regarding disclaimers: The information and content provided in this course are for informational purposes only. The presenter nor Action Medicine Consultants, LLC bears no liability for your use of this information and content. The views expressed in this course are those of the presenter(s). CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: In compliance with continuing education requirements, all presenters must disclose any financial or other associations with the manufacturers of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services, or commercial supporters as well as any use of unlabeled product(s) or product(s) under investigational use.  This presentation does not involve the unlabeled use of a product or product under investigational use.  During the presentation, the presenter provides disclosure of any relevant financial relationships or other associations.  Refund Policy:  Live (virtual or in-person) Courses - Full refunds (Minus 10% for handling fees) are given after completion of the course if cancellation request is received 14 days prior to the course date. No refunds will be given after this deadline, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course. This also applies to virtual courses if a technical issue occurred on the presenter side that prevented a full presentation from being performed. On-Demand Courses - No refunds will be given, but fees may be applied to another current or a future course if there is a technical issue in Action Medicine Consultant's delivery of the course and in which no certificate of completion was issued.