scholarly journals Next Level Triage: Applications of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Disaster Response and Recovery

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s152-s152
Author(s):  
Tyler Stannard ◽  
E. Liang Liu ◽  
Lindsay A. Flax ◽  
Raymond E. Swienton ◽  
Kelly R. Klein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Disaster Response ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Prehospital Care ◽  
Mass Casualty ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Potential Growth ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Response And Recovery

Introduction:Ultrasound applications are widespread, and their utility in resource-limited environments are numerous. In disasters, the use of ultrasound can help reallocate resources by guiding decisions on management and transportation priorities. These interventions can occur on-scene, at triage collection points, during transport, and at the receiving medical facility. Literature related to this specific topic is limited. However, literature regarding prehospital use of ultrasound, ultrasound in combat situations, and some articles specific to disaster medicine allude to the potential growth of ultrasound utilization in disaster response.Aim:To evaluate the utility of point-of-care ultrasound in a disaster response based on studies involving ultrasonography in resource-limited environments.Methods:A narrative review of MEDLINE, MEDLINE InProcess, EPub, and Embase found 20 articles for inclusion.Results:Experiences from past disasters, prehospital care, and combat experiences have demonstrated the value of ultrasound both as a diagnostic and interventional modality.Discussion:Current literature supports the use of ultrasound in disaster response as a real-time, portable, safe, reliable, repeatable, easy-to-use, and accurate tool. While both false positives and false negatives were reported in prehospital studies, these values correlate to accepted false positive and negative rates of standard in-hospital point-of-care ultrasound exams. Studies involving austere environments demonstrate the ability to apply ultrasound in extreme conditions and to obtain high-quality images with only modest training and real-time remote guidance. The potential for point-of-care ultrasound in triage and management of mass casualty incidents is there. However, as these studies are heterogeneous and observational in nature, further research is needed as to how to integrate ultrasound into the response and recovery phases.

Transport and Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound by a Disaster Medical Assistance Team

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan M. Mazur ◽  
James Rippey
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Mass Casualty Incident ◽  
Mass Casualty ◽  
Disaster Medicine ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Medical Assistance ◽  
Portable Ultrasound ◽  
Detailed Clinical Information

AbstractThe role of ultrasound in disaster medicine has not been not well established. This report describes the transport and use of point-of-care ultrasound by Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) responding to a mass-casualty incident due to a cyclone. Ultrasound-competent physicians on the team were able to use portable ultrasound on cyclone casualties to exclude intra-abdominal hemorrhage, peri cardial fluid, pneumothoraces, and hemothoraces Information obtained using ultrasound made initial patient management, and subsequent decisions regarding triage for transport safer and based on more detailed clinical information.

scholarly journals Use of Solar Power Production for Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Comparative Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (s1) ◽  
pp. s96-s97
Author(s):  
John Gallien ◽  
Ashley Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Solar Power ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
List Type ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Solar Power Generation ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Generating Capacity

Introduction:Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (US) has grown considerably in resource-limited and wilderness environments because of a combination of features, including portability, durability, and safety. However, the optimal method of powering US devices in such environments is not well established.Aim:This project has the following aims: 1.Develop a solar power generation and storage system that maximizes power capacity and minimizes weight while being easily transportable by a single person.2.Test the system in a real-world environment to evaluate actual performance relative to stated performance.3.Determine the approximate US scan-time where solar systems would outperform pre-charged batteries with respect to weight.Methods:We developed multiple solar collecting systems using a combination of polycrystalline, monocrystalline, and thin-film solar arrays paired with different powerbanks and tested them using a variety of US systems. From this, the duration of usage was calculated, which makes the solar power generation system a superior option to pre-charged batteries.Results:Lithium-ion energy storage was found to be superior to lead-acid batteries for multiple reasons, most prominently, weight. Several models of US systems were tested revealing that portable US systems consume between 30 to 50 watts. Tri-fold monocrystalline solar panels coupled with lithium-ion powerbanks provided the best combination of weight and transportability. Total weight of the combined solar array, powerbank, and US system is 10 kilograms and easily packs into a backpack carrier. It was found that systems using solar generating capacity become superior to pre-charged powerbanks in regard to weight at approximately 14 hours of scanning time.Discussion:While these results are not fully generalizable due to seasonal and geographic variability as well as the type of US system used, use of solar generating capacity to power US systems is optimal for extended durations of use in resource-limited environments.

Point of care ultrasound for sepsis management in resource-limited settings: response to Via et al.

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 1408-1409
Author(s):  
Martin W. Dünser ◽  
◽  
Emir Festic ◽  
Arjen Dondorp ◽  
Niranjan Kissoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Resource Limited Settings ◽  
Sepsis Management ◽  
Resource Limited

scholarly journals Point-of-care Ultrasound Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst Disease Causing Shock: A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 403-406
Author(s):  
Alexandra Hill ◽  
Marco Guillén ◽  
David Martin ◽  
Andrea Dreyfuss
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Hydatid Cyst ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Resource Limited Settings ◽  
Diagnostic Studies ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst ◽  
Time Critical

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is accepted as an important tool for evaluating patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dyspnea1 and undifferentiated shock. Identifying the etiology and type of shock is time-critical since treatments vary based on this information. Clinicians typically rely on the history, exam, and diagnostics tests to identify the etiology of shock. In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory and diagnostic studies. The use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock. Additionally, POCUS can aid in the diagnosis of rarer tropical diseases that can be important causes of shock in resource-limited settings. Case Report: We discuss a case of a pediatric patient who presented to an ED in Cusco, Peru, with acute dyspnea and shock. Point-of-care ultrasound was used to expedite the diagnosis of a ruptured pulmonary hydatid cyst, guide proper management of septic and anaphylactic shock, and expedite definitive surgical intervention. Conclusion: In resource-limited settings where there is reduced access to timely laboratory and diagnostic studies, the use of POCUS enables rapid classification and directed treatment of shock.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Useful Diagnostic Tool in Africa

Praxis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 109 (8) ◽  
pp. 608-614
Author(s):  
Omary Ngome ◽  
Martin Rohacek
Keyword(s):  
Point Of Care ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Traumatic Shock ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽  
Resource Limited Settings ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Work Up

Abstract. In resource limited settings with limited tests and diagnostic tools, most of diagnoses are based on clinical findings, and patients are managed empirically, e.g. with anti-tuberculosis drugs. This article aims at describing the use of point-of-care ultrasound in diagnosing the most important conditions in Africa, in addition to clinical work-up. Different protocols exist for the diagnosis of trauma-related disorders, tuberculosis, schistosomiasis, thromboembolism, causes of dyspnea, and non- traumatic shock. Point-of-care ultrasound might be a beneficial tool in Africa, aiding diagnostics and management of patients with these conditions. However, studies must be done to assess the impact of point-of-care ultrasound on mortality.

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