Emergency Ultrasound refers to targeted ultrasound for the care of patients in the emergent setting. It is a component of the clinical interview and examination – or in other words “Ultrasound is a continuation of the clinical exam by technical means (G.Rettenmaier).” Emergency ultrasound is available at the point of care, and is generally a problem focused examination, rather than a comprehensive exam. The examination is carried out by organ and body region, not limited by medical specialty.
Emergency Ultrasound is general carried out by the doctor caring for a patient. The patient interview and clinical exam can be supplemented using ultrasound to differentiate between likely diagnoses. Thus an examination technique is available, which quickly provides additional information that can direct therapy or help select relevant diagnostic tests early in the course of therapy. Because of the repeatability of sonography, changes in the patient can be monitored without delay.
Furthermore, sonography functions to provide a visible guide during interventions, therefore avoiding complications. The following components are part of the classic emergency ultrasound:
-Basic Emergency Ultrasound
-focused cardiac ultrasound
-lung ultrasound
-focused musculoskeletal ultrasound
