Point-of-care ultrasound (POC US) is an adjunct to clinical paediatric emergency medicine practice that is rapidly evolving, improving the outcomes of procedural techniques such as vascular access, nerve blocks and fluid aspiration and showing the potential to fast-track diagnostic streaming in a range of presenting complaints and conditions, from shock and respiratory distress to skeletal trauma. This article reviews the procedural and diagnostic uses, both established and emerging, and provides an overview of the necessary components of quality assurance during this introductory phase.
Keywords: PEM; POCUS; bedside; emergency medicine; paediatric; point-of-care ultrasound.
© 2016 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2016 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).