Table 1 The ten targets of our ultrasound protocol which follow the physical examination of a patient before an emergency airborne evacuation
Ultrasound targets | Disease | Notes |
|---|---|---|
1. Anterior lung sliding | Search for pneumothorax | Rules out pneumothorax in a few seconds |
2. Anterior lung rockets | Suggests hemodynamic pulmonary edema (patent or occult) | Rules out pneumothorax in a few seconds |
3. Main veins patency | Deep venous thrombosis | Decreasing the risk of dislodgement, a likely event during turbulent transportation. A simple protocol allows fast screening on strategic areas |
4. Pericardium | Pre-tamponade | Takes a few seconds |
5. Right ventricle rough volume | May accompany pulmonary embolism | Can be done without Doppler |
6. Left ventricle rough contractility | Left heart function | A reasonable assessment, between the limited physical examination and the comprehensive LV approach using Doppler. Lung ultrasound reinforces this basic approach |
7. Bladder repletion | Urinary obstacle | Diagnosing a urinary obstacle before the transportation seems a fast, simple and basic step |
8. Fluid in pleura | Many causes | A few seconds are required |
9. Fluid in peritoneum | Incipient hemorrhage | A few seconds are required |
10. Pneumoperitoneum | Incipient severe GI tract disorder | A few seconds are required |