Critical Checks: Overlooking Nothing in Vital Signs Assessment

BOC Domains of Athletic Training: Domain II - Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis Domain III - Critical Incident Management Presentation Description: This course provides an in-depth review of the systematic process for assessing vital signs in patients, particularly focusing on athletes experiencing trauma. It covers the timing for initial and subsequent vital sign assessments and delves into the typical and atypical ranges for both adult and pediatric patients. The course emphasizes the critical role of vital sign evaluation in identifying potential health issues and determining patient status. Learning Objectives: Review the patient assessment process to determine the appropriate timing of initial and follow-up assessment of vital signs used to determine patient status. Identify and differentiate typical ranges of vital signs for adults and pediatric patients, emphasizing the importance of these values in assessing patient condition and recognizing deviations indicative of potential health issues. Clinical Practice Gap Statement: There is a significant gap in the routine application of systematic head-to-toe assessments and understanding the nuances of vital signs between different patient populations, such as adults and children. This gap can lead to missed or delayed diagnoses, impacting patient outcomes, particularly in emergency or trauma situations Clinical Bottom Line Statement: Proper and timely assessment of vital signs is critical in the early detection and management of patients undergoing trauma. Understanding the normal and abnormal ranges of vital signs for different patient demographics is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

                      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.