Ultrasound in a moving ambulance vs a (simulated) emergency department

In recent years, there has been increased interest in ultrasound and its potential for use in prehospital settings. This study's main aim was to compare ultrasound examinations undertaken in an ambulance—stationary as well as moving—with ultrasounds that were performed in a simulated emergency department (ED).

The researchers wanted to determine whether it is feasible to use ultrasound accurately and effectively in prehospital settings.

Participants included two consultant emergency physicians and two sonographers who were all experienced in undertaking ultrasounds in EDs. All four participants performed ultrasound examinations in a stationary ambulance, a moving ambulance (travelling at various speeds and in different directions), and a simulated ED.

Two different emergency ultrasound examinations were undertaken: abdominal assessment looking for abdominal aortic aneurysym (AAA), and extended focused assessment with sonography for trauma (eFAST).

Two healthy volunteers, similar in stature to minimize differences in procedure due to variable body size and shape, were recruited to act as patients.

The ultrasound images that were captured by the participants were independently assessed by a clinical academic sonographer who rated and scored all images as: unsatisfactory (0); satisfactory (1); indeterminate (2).