Expanding Protocols for Point of Care Ultrasound.

[Murse2Dr]

Hey everyone, my transport program is looking into developing point of care ultrasound education, proficiencies, and protocols. Unfortunately there’s not exactly a dearth of research behind the practice of POCUS in the flight/transport realm. I was just wondering if anyone on here has any experience with this kind of practice, either as an adjunct to assessment with RUSH and FAST exams, or as a guide for invasive procedures? How difficult was it to sell your medical directors on this idea? Any recommendation for products or educational tools? Thanks! 

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

I don't work in Flight but have been in Critical Care Medicine for years and have been using Point of Care Ultrasound since 10 years ago.  As far as flight applications, would space be an issue?  I only say that because our equipment has actually gotten bigger than smaller because of the need for quality display and functionality.  I have seen hand-held devices in the past from reps and one Cardiologist I work with did use one on a patient she was worried was having a pericardial effusion.  The image in the hand-held was good enough but she still wanted a formal study with a sonographer.  At any rate, check out GE's hand held device:

https://handheldultrasound.gehealthcare.com/

or even this Clarius one which appears to work via bluetooth to send signals to your smartphone:

https://clarius.com/l/portable-ultrasound-machine/?msclkid=1da73f9e2c0115438d3a606b251dcce6&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=US%2BCAN%2BEurope Select - Champions&utm_term=%2Bportable %2BUltrasound&utm_content=Portable