Continuing Professional Development: Emergency ultrasound in the prehospital setting
Abstract
Overview
This module will explore the breadth and depth of ultrasound use in the prehospital setting. Emergency ultrasound is increasingly being seen as an extension to clinical examination. Emergency ultrasound skills can potentially positively impact upon patient outcome both in terms of out of hospital treatment and also in terms of non-nearest hospital transfer of patients for specialist care. The wide array of potential practice modification promised by prehospital emergency ultrasound need to be introduced carefully and in the context of mentoring and accreditation of potential practitioners. By using reflective questions and establishing learning outcomes, the paramedic will achieve a foundation in the prehospital use of emergency ultrasound.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module you will be able to:
• Recall the indications for FAST, DVT, pneumothorax, AAA and basic echo scans in the prehospital setting.
• Recall what constitutes a positive FAST, DVT, pneumothorax, AAA and basic echo scan.
• Be aware of the potential benefit of ultrasound to confirm limb artery occlusion when applying tourniquets for limb trauma.
• Realise the potential prehospital triage and non-nearest hospital transfer value in using portable ultrasound examination.