Medical College of Wisconsin
CTSICores SearchResearch InformaticsREDCap

Determining a Need for Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Transport. Air Med J 2021;40(3):175-178

Date

05/03/2021

Pubmed ID

33933221

DOI

10.1016/j.amj.2021.01.003

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85100620082 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   6 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Point-of care-ultrasound (PoCUS) is useful in evaluating unstable emergency department patients. The portability of this technology increases its potential use in prehospital settings, including helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) programs. Identifying useful applications may support implementing a PoCUS program that develops sonography skills for prehospital providers. The aim of this study was to determine the HEMS patient population that would benefit from prehospital PoCUS for hypotension and how commonly the extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma (E-FAST) for trauma patients or the rapid ultrasound in shock (RUSH) for medical patients could be used by HEMS.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed over a 1-year period of adult patients transported by a midwestern HEMS system. Charts were reviewed for episodes of hypotension.

RESULTS: The chart review included 216 charts, of which 3 were excluded. Of the 213 cases, 100 were trauma patients, and 113 were medical patients. Of the trauma patients, 51% experienced hypotension, as did 73 of 113 medical patients.

CONCLUSION: Fifty percent of HEMS patients may benefit from PoCUS to evaluate for hypotension in flight.

Author List

Lenz TJ, Phelan MB, Grawey T

Authors

Tom Grawey DO Assistant Professor in the Emergency Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Timothy John Lenz MD Associate Professor in the Emergency Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Mary Beth Phelan MD, RDMS Professor in the Emergency Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Air Ambulances
Aircraft
Emergency Medical Services
Humans
Point-of-Care Systems
Retrospective Studies