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

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.