Emergency ultrasound in the prehospital setting: the impact of environment on examination outcomes

Emerg Med J. 2011 Dec;28(12):1063-5. doi: 10.1136/emj.2010.096966. Epub 2011 Mar 30.

Abstract

This study aimed to compare ultrasound examinations performed within a land ambulance (stationary and moving) with those completed in a simulated emergency department (ED) to determine the feasibility of undertaking ultrasound examinations within the UK prehospital care environment. The findings suggest that abdominal aortic aneurysm and extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma emergency ultrasound examinations can be performed in the stationary or moving land ambulance environment to a standard consistent with those performed in the hospital ED.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ambulances*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Emergency Medical Services / standards*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Health Facility Environment
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Point-of-Care Systems*
  • Ultrasonography / methods
  • Ultrasonography / standards
  • United Kingdom