What should a medic initiate if no red flags for TBI are present?

Initiating the MACE (Military Acute Concussion Evaluation) is appropriate when no red flags for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are present because the MACE is specifically designed to assess individuals who may have sustained a concussion. This tool allows medics to conduct a thorough evaluation, even when a patient's condition does not immediately indicate acute danger.

The MACE combines a symptom checklist, cognitive assessments, and a brief neurological examination, which helps in determining the need for further observation or intervention. It is an essential part of the protocol for ensuring that later signs of TBI can be identified and managed effectively.

While performing a physical examination is beneficial, it does not provide the targeted assessment required for potential concussion evaluation. Documenting the findings is crucial but should follow the assessment to ensure accurate medical records. Requesting a CT scan can be necessary for more severe cases of TBI or when presenting signs indicate a risk, but in the absence of red flags, initiating the MACE allows for a more focused and appropriate response to a suspected concussion.