Bridging the Gap: Interprofessional Sports Emergency Care in Arkansas

(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)

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Episode Summary

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.

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Key Takeaways

✅ 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.

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About the Host

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.

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About the Guest

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.

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