Recorded live at the Arkansas Secondary School Interprofessional Sports Emergency Care Course, or "Arkansas ISEC", July 7, 2025, at Cabot High School with guest Cheria McDonald – State School Nurse Consultant, Arkansas Department of Education.

Host Dr. Ray Castle, ATC, NREMT, is joined by Cheria McDonald, the State School Nurse Consultant for the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education. Broadcasting from Arkansas ISEC, Ray and Cheria explore the vital and often underrecognized role school nurses play in sports emergency care and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), especially in rural settings.

This discussion highlights the collaborative importance of school nurses in shaping emergency readiness, bridging gaps where athletic trainers may not be present, and preparing staff for real-life sports and school-based emergencies.

The Expanding Role of School Nurses:
Why school nurses are critical in both day-to-day student health and sports emergency preparedness—especially in districts without full-time athletic trainers.

Integrating Nurses into EAPs:
How school nurses can help create, review, and implement Emergency Action Plans by partnering with athletic trainers, EMS, and school staff.

School Hours vs. After-Hours Coverage:
Addressing the challenge of consistent medical coverage beyond the 7:30–3:00 school day and ensuring all stakeholders know their role during emergencies.

Training the Trainers:
In Arkansas, nurses often train athletic trainers and coaches on medication administration, health histories, and emergency protocols for student-athletes with chronic conditions.

Hands-On Lessons Learned:
Cheria reflects on eye-opening takeaways from the live labs—including the versatility of disaster response cooling bags and insights into face mask removal tools in helmeted athletes.

Fun Fact About Cheria McDonald:
She grew up in her family’s hardware and lumber store and finds the scent of pine and wood calming. When stressed, you’ll likely find her “just smelling the lumber” in the home improvement aisle!

✅ School nurses are vital partners in sports emergency response, especially in rural settings
✅ EAPs must include all medical stakeholders—nurses, ATs, EMS, coaches
✅ Interprofessional education improves student safety and system readiness
✅ School nurses often serve as a consistent medical presence during and beyond school hours
✅ Simple tools and training can make a big impact in emergency readiness

Cheria McDonald
State School Nurse Consultant
Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, Arkansas Department of Education
Champion for student health, emergency preparedness, and interprofessional collaboration across Arkansas schools.

Enjoyed this session?
Subscribe, share, and catch more live episodes at:
www.actionmed.co

The medical information in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Stay prepared. Stay proactive.
See you next time on the AT Pit Crew Podcast!

Recorded live at the Arkansas Secondary School Interprofessional Sports Emergency Care Course, or "Arkansas ISEC", July 7, 2025, at Cabot High School with guest Dr. Chuck Mason - Medical Director, Metro EMS (Little Rock AR) and emergency medicine physican at Cabot Emergency Hospital.

Host Dr. Ray Castle, ATC, NREMT, is joined by Dr. Chuck Mason—Emergency Room Physician at Cabot Emergency Hospital and Medical Director for Metro EMS serving greater Little Rock. Broadcasting from Arkansas, Ray and Dr. Mason discuss the essential role of interprofessional communication and continuous education in sports emergency care.

This session offers unique insights from Dr. Mason’s decades of emergency medicine experience, emphasizing how effective teamwork and regular education transform outcomes on the field.

The Power of Interprofessional Communication:
Why every stakeholder (EMS, AT, nurses, physicians) needs to understand roles and support each other.

Education: The Living Document Approach:
Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) aren’t shelf material—they must be reviewed and practiced regularly.

Continuous Learning:
Just like a garden, if you don’t keep tending to education, weeds (gaps) take over. Annual refreshers are a must.

Data-Driven Emergency Care:
How technology and protocols are streamlining emergency response for things like exertional heat illness and concussion.

Local Adaptation:
No matter your setting—urban or rural—coordinating care and streamlining protocols are key.

Fun Fact About Dr. Mason:
He’s more of a farm boy than a doctor—when not in the ER or on call for Metro EMS, you’ll probably find him outdoors!

Stay tuned as Dr. Castle and Dr. Mason co-lead a hands-on lab on Exertional Heat Illness Management, demonstrating real-world teamwork from field to ER.

✅ Interprofessional communication is critical for effective emergency response
✅ Emergency protocols should be living, frequently reviewed documents
✅ Education must be ongoing to keep teams sharp and prepared
✅ Data and technology are improving care—but only if everyone knows what’s available
✅ Local adaptation matters: protocols and teamwork should fit your environment

About the Guest:
Dr. Chuck Mason

Medical Director, Metro EMS (Little Rock area)

Emergency Room Physician, Cabot Emergency Hospital

Advocate for collaborative, data-driven emergency care—and a farm boy at heart!

Enjoyed this session?
Subscribe, share, and catch more live episodes at:
www.actionmed.co

Legal Disclaimer:
The medical information in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Stay prepared. Stay proactive. See you next time on the AT Pit Crew Podcast!

(Recorded live at the Arkansas Secondary School Interprofessional Sports Emergency Care Course, or "Arkansas ISEC", July 7, 2025, at Cabot High School with guest Jason Cates, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer, Cabot Public Schools)

In this special on-location episode of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, host Dr. Ray Castle, ATC, NREMT—CEO of Action Medicine Consultants—is joined by Jason Cates, ATC, Head Athletic Trainer at Cabot Public Schools and Chair of the Arkansas Activities Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. Ray and Jason bring listeners inside the Arkansas Secondary School Interprofessional Sports Emergency Care Course—a unique, hands-on program dedicated to improving communication and collaboration among athletic trainers, EMS, physicians, school nurses, and other stakeholders.

Together, Ray and Jason discuss the critical importance of building a coordinated response system, especially in rural and resource-limited settings, and share the “why” behind this event: overcoming silos and making real progress toward athlete safety.

This episode dives into:
✔ The evolution of interprofessional sports emergency care in Arkansas and beyond
✔ Strategies for overcoming resource gaps in rural schools
✔ The crucial role of stakeholder buy-in—from school nurses to superintendents to state associations
✔ Lessons learned from real-world catastrophic incidents
✔ How hands-on collaboration and scenario-based training fuel real change

Jason offers insights into the statewide approach, the challenges rural communities face, and the importance of empowering all personnel—whether athletic trainers, nurses, or lay responders—to protect young athletes. Ray and Jason also preview event highlights, including a guest appearance by retired NFL player Clinton McDonald, who shares his unique perspective as both an athlete and now as a parent and advocate for youth sports safety.

✅ Collaboration Counts – Building an effective emergency care system requires breaking down barriers between professions and organizations.
✅ Rural Realities – Many schools operate in “lean environments” with limited access to EMS or advanced care. Policies must adapt to fit local realities.
✅ Stakeholder Buy-In – Success hinges on the support and active participation of everyone, from state leadership to on-the-ground providers.
✅ Continuous Improvement – Scenario-based courses and regular EAP (Emergency Action Plan) reviews keep teams sharp and prepared for the unexpected.
✅ Every Voice Matters – Bringing together athletic trainers, nurses, coaches, physicians, and administrators creates solutions that serve all athletes—urban and rural.

Dr. Ray Castle, ATC, NREMT
Ray Castle is a nationally recognized leader in sports emergency care, with over 34 years of experience in athletic training and event medicine. As the CEO of Action Medicine Consultants and host of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, Ray is dedicated to advancing medical preparedness for athletic trainers and emergency providers in sports settings.

Jason Cates, ATC
Jason is the Head Athletic Trainer at Cabot Public Schools in Arkansas, Chair of the AAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, and a longtime advocate for collaboration in school-based sports medicine. He brings a real-world, practical perspective to building safer systems for athletes, especially in rural and under-resourced communities.

✅ Like, subscribe, and share this episode with your colleagues and network!
✅ For more episodes and updates, visit: www.actionmed.co

The medical information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.

Stay prepared. Stay proactive. See you next time on the AT Pit Crew Podcast!

CEU Credit Available
Earn CEU credit for this course and explore 58+ Sports Emergency Care Courses at https://courses.ceunleashed.com/ – an annual subscription is just $4.99/year!

In this special edition of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, host Dr. Ray Castle, ATC, NREMT—CEO of Action Medicine Consultants—launches the new Advice Line series. After gathering pressing questions from athletic trainers at a recent conference, Ray takes the mic solo to tackle key emergency care challenges faced by clinicians in the field.

This episode dives into:
✔ Strategies for managing the current rectal thermometer shortage in exertional heat stroke assessment
✔ Building confidence in emergency situations—from training strategies to real-world application
✔ How to stay sharp in emergency care when you’re not practicing daily
✔ The importance of equipment checks and preparation for game-day readiness
✔ Selecting the right airway management devices based on patient size and scenario

Ray shares practical solutions, expert insights, and personal experiences—including his first on-field cardiac arrest case in 34+ years of sports medicine practice. He also previews upcoming hands-on content, including a video demonstration on airway management techniques.

✅ Adapt & Overcome – Workarounds for discontinued rectal thermometers in heat illness management
✅ Training = Confidence – Practice-based scenario training is critical for emergency preparedness
✅ Stay Ready – Regular equipment checks & EAP reviews prevent critical failures in emergencies
✅ Know Your Airway Tools – Choosing the right airway device for the right scenario can save lives
✅ Learn & Evolve – Every medical encounter is an opportunity to refine your emergency response

Dr. Ray Castle is a nationally recognized leader in sports emergency care, with over 34 years of experience in athletic training and event medicine. As the CEO of Action Medicine Consultants and host of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, Ray is dedicated to advancing medical preparedness for athletic trainers and emergency providers in sports settings.

✅ Like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network!
✅ For more episodes and updates, visit: www.actionmed.co/podcast

The medical information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.

Stay prepared. Stay proactive. See you next time on the AT Pit Crew Podcast!

CEU Credit Available
Earn CEU credit for this course and explore 58+ Sports Emergency Care Courses at https://courses.ceunleashed.com/ – an annual subscription is just $4.99/year!

In this high-energy episode of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, host Ray Castle welcomes Trish Bare Grounds, a leading expert in performing arts and action sports emergency care. Trish has spent decades pioneering medical coverage for non-traditional sports, from BMX and freestyle motocross to circus performances and combat sports.

She shares insights on:
✔ Unique emergency planning strategies for non-traditional settings
✔ Challenges in managing spinal injuries, airway emergencies, and extractions in high-risk environments
✔ How to train both medical and non-medical personnel for emergency response

Trish’s real-world experiences—including responding to critical injuries during circus performances, BMX competitions, and international Taekwondo events—offer invaluable lessons for medical professionals working in unpredictable sports and performance settings.

✅ EAPs must be customized to venue-specific challenges (e.g., aerial rigs, ramps, confined spaces).
✅ EMS access limitations require alternative extrication strategies in action sports.
✅ Athletic trainers & emergency providers must adapt traditional protocols to non-traditional environments.
✅ Collaboration with stagehands, riggers, and event staff is crucial for effective emergency response.
✅ Mental preparation & real-world scenario training enhance emergency response effectiveness.

Trish Bare Grounds, ATC, has extensive experience in emergency response for non-traditional sports. She has worked with USA Taekwondo, BMX events, freestyle motocross, and Ringling Bros. Circus, developing innovative emergency action plans tailored to high-risk performance environments.

Follow Trish on:
LinkedIn: @trishbaregrounds
Twitter: @trishbare

This podcast is a production of Action Medicine Consultants, LLC.

The medical information provided in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.

✅ Like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network!
✅ For more episodes and updates, visit: www.actionmed.co/podcast

Stay prepared. Stay proactive. See you next time on the AT Pit Crew Podcast!

Visit https://courses.ceunleashed.com/ to earn CEU credit for this course and access 50+ Sports Emergency Care Courses. Annual subscription for all courses is just $4.99/year!

In this high-impact episode of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, host Ray Castle welcomes Kellie Loehr, ATC, head athletic trainer at USA Lacrosse. Kellie is a seasoned expert in sports emergency care, specializing in lacrosse. She dives into the essentials of Emergency Action Plan (EAP) development, including the unique challenges of lacrosse equipment, emergency protocols, and best practices for collaborating with EMS at events.

Kellie shares valuable lessons learned from her experiences managing international lacrosse tournaments, highlights innovative strategies for improving athlete safety, and provides insight into how to continuously evolve emergency protocols.

Kellie Loehr, ATC, is the head athletic trainer at USA Lacrosse and works with MedStar Health in Maryland. With nearly a decade of experience coordinating medical coverage for over 200 annual lacrosse events, including international tournaments, Kellie has been a driving force in improving emergency care planning and response for the sport.

Twitter: @kellie_loehr
LinkedIn: @kellieabendschoenloehr

This podcast is a production of Action Medicine Consultants, LLC.

The medical information provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.

Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network! For more episodes and updates, visit www.actionmed.co/podcast.

Stay prepared. Stay proactive. See you next time on the AT Pit Crew Podcast!

**CEU Credit Available**

Visit https://courses.ceunleashed.com/ to earn CEU credit for this course PLUS 55+ Sports Emergency Care Courses. Annual subscription $4.99/year for ALL courses!

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, Dr. Jim Kyle discusses the WISE 5 initiative, which focuses on improving emergency response protocols for young athletes experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. The conversation covers the importance of early recognition, the role of athletic trainers, advancements in resuscitation techniques, and the need for ongoing education and collaboration between EMS and sports medicine professionals. Dr. Kyle emphasizes the critical first five minutes of response and the integration of new technologies and protocols to enhance survival rates in cardiac emergencies.

Key Takeaways:

About the Guest:
Dr. Jim Kyle has over 40 years of experience as an emergency and sports medicine physician and currently serves as Executive Director of The Kyle Group. He has led numerous medical initiatives to improve healthcare and emergency response, particularly in the rural communities of southern West Virginia. Dr. Kyle is the Medical Director for WV Region 1 EMS and the NRCTC Paramedic Education Program. He is the creator of The Friday Night Medical Time Out and The Wise Five Initiative, which promote enhanced emergency care protocols. His past roles include team physician at multiple universities and for U.S. Soccer’s Under-17 World Cup Team. Dr. Kyle also served as a team physician at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and is a charter member of the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine. His contributions earned him induction into the Marshall University Sports Medicine Hall of Fame.

Connect with Dr. Jim Kyle:

Production Credits
This podcast is a production of Action Medicine Consultants, LLC.

Legal Disclaimer
The medical information provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.

Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network. For more episodes, visit www.actionmed.co/podcast.

Stay prepared. Stay proactive. See you next time!

**CEU Credit Available**

Visit https://courses.ceunleashed.com/ to earn CEU credit for this course PLUS 50+ Sports Emergency Care Courses. Annual subscription $4.99/year for ALL courses!

Episode Summary:
In this impactful episode of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, host Ray Castle welcomes Mike Hopper, head athletic trainer at Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas, Texas. Mike is a seasoned athletic trainer and advocate for CPR training and AED accessibility in schools. Drawing from personal experiences, including a life-saving cardiac emergency on his campus, Mike offers valuable strategies and actionable advice for implementing effective CPR and AED programs in educational settings.

The conversation highlights the critical importance of emergency preparedness for not only athletes but also staff, students, and visitors. Mike’s firsthand accounts emphasize the value of proactive training and planning, as well as the evolving role of athletic trainers in fostering safer school environments.

Key Takeaways:

About the Guest:
Mike Hopper, MS, LAT, ATC, is the head athletic trainer at Bishop Lynch High School and a passionate advocate for CPR training and AED accessibility. With over a decade of experience, Mike has developed innovative approaches to emergency preparedness, positively impacting the lives of students, athletes, and faculty.

Connect with Mike Hopper:

Production Credits
This podcast is a production of Action Medicine Consultants, LLC.

Legal Disclaimer
The medical information provided in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.

Make sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network. For more episodes, visit www.actionmed.co/podcast.

Stay prepared. Stay proactive. See you next time!

Connect with Action Medicine Consultants!
Website: www.actionmed.co

SOCIAL: @actionmedco

Production Credits
This podcast is a production of Action Medicine Consultants, LLC.

Episode Summary:
In this episode of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, Ray Castle sits down with Dr. Ronnie Harper, EdD, ATC, NREMT, to explore the critical elements of emergency medicine in high school sports. With years of experience in trauma management and emergency response, Dr. Harper discusses the importance of emergency action plans, routine training drills, and effective communication in ensuring athlete safety. He highlights the role of athletic trainers as first responders and the significance of collaboration with EMS and medical directors.

Dr. Harper shares personal stories that underscore the value of preparedness, emphasizing how proactive measures, clear protocols, and education for athletes and parents can make a difference in emergency situations. Listeners will leave with actionable insights to enhance their own emergency preparedness in sports medicine settings.

Key Takeaways:

About the Guest:

Dr. Ronnie Harper, EdD, ATC, NREMT, is an expert in high school sports emergency medicine with extensive experience in trauma management and emergency preparedness. A passionate advocate for athlete safety, Dr. Harper combines his knowledge as an athletic trainer and emergency medical professional to enhance care and response protocols in high school athletics.

Connect with Dr. Ronnie Harper ATC, NREMT
Email: [email protected] 

X: @RonnieMSD

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronnieharper/ 

Production Credits
This podcast is a production of Action Medicine Consultants, LLC.