We often use the AVPU method for assessing level of responsiveness quickly during our initial assessment. Yet, when we have a patient with any kind of an altered mental status we should consider where they rate on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). In the heat of the moment at 3:00 am in the dark corner of a house it is difficult to remember exactly how the Glasgow Coma Scale works while bystanders are screaming and our patient vomits. We can break this system down into 3 parts, that total 15 points, but instead of 5 point per part, points per part are 4 (eyes), then 5 (speech), and then 6 (motion). Try to remember 4, 5, and 6 and eyes, speech, and motion, when struggling to remember the GCS.

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