Sports emergencies don’t give second chances. In this episode of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, host Ryan Hart talks with Dr. Ray Castle (CEO of Action Medco and co‑author of the July 2024 Journal of EMS paper Best Practices for Emergency Action Planning and Implementation in Athletic Settings) about contemporary emergency care equipment and supplies.

They explore how the right tools – and the right preparation – can save lives when seconds count:

Why AED placement matters

Matching equipment to personnel and venue – align gear with staff qualifications and venue‑specific needs so your emergency action plan works in real life

Equipment maintenance & documentation – best practices for regular checks, manufacturer‑recommended service intervals and documentation protocols to ensure gear is ready when needed.

Integration with EAPs & training – how to incorporate equipment readiness into emergency action plans, practice drills and team communication.

By the end of this conversation, you’ll understand how properly selected and maintained equipment – paired with personnel training and clear protocols – builds a safety net for athletes, staff and spectators.

Call to Action: Subscribe to the AT Pit Crew Podcast so you never miss a lap. For more resources and hands‑on training, visit ActionMed.co and explore the AT Pit Crew course and the July 2024 Journal of EMS paper referenced in this episode.

Endurance races don’t just test runners — they test your entire medical operations plan. In this episode of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, Dr. Ray Castle talks with Russell Sadberry, an athletic trainer with 32 years of experience at Katy Independent High School in Texas, about how to build scalable, reality-tested medical coverage for endurance and ultra-endurance events.

Russell brings a rare 360° view from working major events like the Houston Marathon and smaller ultra races, plus insights as the spouse of an accomplished marathoner who has completed four World Major Marathons.

They break down how to design and run medical operations that protect participants from the first mile to the finish line:

Command structure & roles

How to establish a clear incident command structure

Defining role clarity for medical volunteers at races of all sizes

Medical footprint by event size

Building a right-sized medical footprint for 700-runner ultras vs. large-city marathons with thousands of participants

Staffing mix strategies

Integrating athletic trainers, nurses, EMS, and community volunteers

Matching skills to positions so every station is staffed to its mission

Communication & redundancy

Radio and phone communication protocols

Backup plans when primary systems fail mid-event

Transport & hospital coordination

Designing transport routes and handoff plans

Coordinating with local hospitals for different event scales

Supplies, equipment & environmental care

Essential gear for cooling, warming, and emergency care

Building treatment areas that can flex with patient surges

Course design & medical coverage

How course layout, terrain, and access points drive resource placement

Real-time monitoring & thresholds

Using weather data, participant flow, and medical encounter trends to anticipate surges

Budgets, partnerships & sustainability

Budget considerations for smaller or resource-limited events

Creative partnership strategies with sponsors and local agencies

Contingency planning & reunification

Procedures for emergencies, course stoppages, and family reunification

What organizers often overlook until something goes wrong

By the end of this conversation, you’ll have a practical framework for medical operations planning that scales from local ultras to world-class marathons — and keeps runners, staff, and spectators safer when the race day pressure is highest.

Call to Action:
Subscribe to the AT Pit Crew Podcast so you never miss a lap.

For more resources and continuing education on event medical operations, visit ActionMed.co, explore courses on the CEunleashed platform, and learn more about the work of Action Medicine Consultants and the events discussed in this episode.

Title: Measuring Systolic BP by Palpation: Your Sideline Game-Changer for Loud Environments

Description:
Chaotic sidelines and roaring crowds can make traditional auscultation impossible. In this episode of the AT Pit Crew Podcast, host Ryan Hart sits down with Dr. Ray Castle (CEO, Action Medicine Consultants) to teach athletic trainers and sports medicine pros how to accurately measure systolic blood pressure by palpation. You’ll learn step-by-step technique, when palpation is preferable to auscultation, what equipment you’ll need, and how to interpret readings for emergency decision‑making. Ray also shares a real‑world case from a seizure emergency, explains how to communicate findings to EMS, and offers practice drills and protocols to keep this essential skill sharp. They touch on integrating palpation into emergency action plans, the MIST report format, Glasgow Coma Scale and AVPU assessment tools, and more.

Key Takeaways:

Step-by-step systolic BP palpation technique

Situations where palpation is the best option

Essential equipment and common mistakes

Interpreting readings and informing care decisions

Communicating results to EMS and integrating into EAPs

Real-world seizure case study and practice recommendations

Call to Action:
Make sure to subscribe to the AT Pit Crew Podcast so you never miss an episode, and check out www.ActionMed.co for the AT Pit Crew Podcast and other resources to strengthen your emergency response skills.

In this special episode, Ray Castle welcomes Ryan Hart to the AT Pit Crew Podcast. Ryan recently joined Action Medicine Consultants as the Sports Medicine Event Manager and will be sharing hosting duties on future episodes. Learn about his journey from Louisiana to Colorado and back, his experience in clinical, surgical and industrial athletic training settings, and his passion for RV travel and podcasting. Ray and Ryan swap stories about weather extremes, heat illness protocols across regions, and even a few RV mishaps—all while highlighting what’s next for the show.

Meet Ryan Hart: Hear Ryan’s background in athletic training, including clinical and industrial experience across the Southeast and Colorado, plus his return to Mississippi to be closer to family.

Multiple Platforms: Ryan and his wife run “Living the Dream – Life on the Road,” combining YouTube and podcasting about full-time RV life. He’s also involved in the Colorado Athletic Trainers Association’s podcast and launching a new show, “Beyond the Sidelines: Inside Athletic Training.”

Heat Illness Across Regions: Discussion on how emergency care differs between humid southeastern states and the drier, high-altitude West—hinting at future deep dives on heat‑related protocols.

Fun Facts: Ryan grew up around rodeo events and can operate heavy construction equipment—skills he traded in to pursue sports medicine.

What’s Next: Expect Ryan to share hosting duties, bring fresh perspectives on emergency care, and explore topics from RV life tips to athletic training best practices.

Enjoying the AT Pit Crew Podcast? Follow and rate us on your favorite podcast app so you never miss a lap, and stay tuned for more episodes with Ryan and Ray. For resources and updates on sports emergency care, visit ActionMed.co.

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!