Objectives

To acquire and interpret a complete set of diagnostic quality views to answer the clinical question:

• Is there free fluid in the chest or abdomen and is there a pneumothorax?

Expected Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course the attendees should be able to:

• Answer the clinical PoCUS question by acquiring and evaluating ultrasound images of the chest, abdominal and pelvic cavities.
• Identify the parameters of safe application of ultrasound and its limitations in medical diagnosis.
• Identify the physical principles, artefacts and the steps for image optimisation while performing ultrasound.
• Practice “hands on” ultrasound scanning skills required to maximise diagnostic ability in answering relevant clinical questions.
• Recognise the sonographic appearances of normal and abnormal structures required to answer common clinical questions.
• Perform e-FAST ultrasound techniques.
• Recognise variants, false positives and abnormalities.
• Document the ultrasound findings.
• To interpret the complexity of anatomy and pathologies encountered and confidently integrate Point of Care UltraSound (PoCUS) into an urgent patient management pathway in suspicion of free fluid or free air in chest/abdomen.
• Become a safe, experienced PoCUS practitioner.