Always wondered what actually happens when you ask for a bedside AAA rule out? Or maybe it's just a bit of revision, either way this video from EM RAP is a great quality summary of what is becoming a core EM skill.
When branching out from the basics of bedside ultrasound having a standardised approach helps improve your technique and train your brain to recognise abnormalities in the images you see.
There are standardised approaches developed by ITU docs for thoracic scanning but these are comprehensive assessments rather than the focused imaging designed to answer a specific clinical question.
BelowJacob Avila of Ultrasound Podcast and 5minSono shares his approach for ED Thoracic US, which seems like a good place to start.
Go to his wesbite for loads of other good teaching on ED US: 5minsono.com
Heres some other great Thoracic US videos for you to get your eye in.... then give it a try!
http://www.ultrasoundpodcast.com/2012/07/episode-31-lung-ultrasound-with-vicki-noble-part-1/
The guys at The Ultrasound Podcast have a discussion about the above paper and how POCUS can help us managing the acutely ill septic patient.
Check out some of their other work (for free) here:
FREE Introduction to Bedside Ultrasound eBook:
One Minute Ultrasound Smartphone App for iOS
One Minute Ultrasound Smartphone App for Android
As ever the Masters of #FOAMed Ultrasound make it look easy!
In our ED we still need to follow our local protocol, but the evidence discussed in these podcasts suggests things may change, especially in younger patients, and US may be the first line investigation.
No harm in trying to predict what the CT KUB will show and getting your eye in!
http://www.ultrasoundpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/image.jpg
More great meducation from @ultrasoundmd and @ultrasoundpod on lung USS. They are doing a series on ultrasound basics which is an awesome way for a beginner to recognise the potential of their new skills.
Lung US is useful both in the resus room and triage guiding initial treatment and further investigation. Its quick, easy and you can practice your technique while waiting for the XR machine to power up........SO 19th century!
Check out their other basics podcasts on lines and renal US.
Quick 5 min tutorial on how to measure optic nerve sheath diameter as a marker for raised ICP.
Obviously having learnt that you need to know what to do with it.......
Check out BROOME DOCS for the low down of where the research says we're at.
Lovely vodcast from WesternSono introducing you to distal radius reduction review using Point Of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) and also using POCUS in haematoma blocks. A great way to develop my skills in US which could be transferable into other areas eg sternal US.
In the future I imagine telling the medical students anecdotes about how we used to irradiate patients to see if the fracture was back to normal while pulling my portable US out of my pocket........ *drifts off into day-dream*
