Rapid Bedside Ultrasound for Emergency Diagnosis and Procedures

The Emergency Department uses Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to support rapid bedside assessment of critically ill and injured patients. POCUS allows emergency physicians to obtain immediate clinical information without delaying resuscitation or transferring unstable patients unnecessarily.

In trauma patients, FAST and Extended FAST (EFAST) examinations can assist in identifying internal bleeding, fluid around the heart and selected chest injuries.

Ultrasound guidance is also used for procedures such as central venous access and difficult peripheral venous access, helping improve procedural accuracy. POCUS may additionally support rapid assessment of cardiac function, fluid status, shock and respiratory conditions. Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks and procedural sedation may also be used as part of emergency pain management where appropriate.