1. ©2015 Seattle/King County EMS Glasgow Coma Scale BLS-2016-GCS EMS Online

2. ©2015 Seattle/King County EMS What is the Glasgow Coma Scale? What is the difference between the GCS scale and the GCS score? How do providers use the GCS in the hospital setting? When and for which patients do you test GCS? What are the limitations of the GCS?

3. ©2015 Seattle/King County EMS Scale and Score Score eye opening between 4 and 1 Score verbal response between 5 and 1 Score motor response between 6 and 1 Calculate total score from individual scores Calculate the GCS based on case specifics

4. ©2015 Seattle/King County EMS Interpreting the Score GCS gives a basic picture of the neurologic function of the patient. It is most important to note an increase or decrease in the GCS value over time. GCS will not indicate a specific brain injury but can be a predictor of neurological outcome.

5. ©2015 Seattle/King County EMS Communicating the Score Clearly documenting the GCS score is important for the hospital record. Reassessing GCS should be considered every time vitals are taken or if the patient deteriorates. A successful handoff will include the GCS score as well as a description of the neurologic function.

6. ©2015 Seattle/King County EMS Special Population There are special populations where the GCS may not give an accurate picture of neurologic status. Infants and children have a different scale than adults.