EMS Pre-hospital Ultrasound -- September 2011

Upon completion of the program, the participant should be able to:

1. Discuss the basic imaging fundamentals of ultrasound physics/instrumentation and describe image artifacts.
2. Explain the operation of the U/S system controls & appropriate transducer selection for different applications.
3. Demonstrate proper transducer manipulation and system optimization to produce diagnostic images.
4. Perform ultrasound evaluation of the trauma patient in the pre-hospital setting (PFAST exam).
5. Differentiate normal/abnormal image characteristics of the abdomen including aorta and adult heart.
6. Demonstrate the use of ultrasound guidance for vascular access.
7. Describe image orientation, transducer placement, and scan protocols for performing ultrasound for evaluation of pneumothorax.
8. Increase participant’s knowledge to better perform and/or interpret emergency ultrasound examinations.

• Scan planes and sectional anatomy
• System optimization
• Abdominal scanning fundamentals
• The PFAST exam
• Pneumothorax
• Vascular access
• Abdominal aorta
• Live demo: PFAST and AA
• Video case studies
• Hands-on session