Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
06:50
Troubleshooting FoCUS Image Acquisition: Patient Positioning, Transducer Manipulation, and Image Optimization
Published on: March 3, 2023
2.4K
Training paramedics in focussed echo in life support
Katherine L Booth1, Matthew J Reed, Shirin Brady
1aCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh bEmergency Medicine Research Group Edinburgh (EMeRGE) cResuscitation Research Group dDepartment of Emergency Medicine, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
Summary
Paramedics can be trained to perform focused Echo in Life Support (ELS) for cardiac arrest assessment. This pilot study shows successful image acquisition and knowledge retention, suggesting potential for real-world application.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Point-of-Care Ultrasound
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiac arrest management relies on rapid assessment and intervention.
- Limited availability of advanced diagnostic tools in pre-hospital settings.
- Focused Echo in Life Support (ELS) offers a potential solution for bedside cardiac assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate paramedics' ability to learn and perform focused Echo in Life Support (ELS).
- To assess paramedics' interpretation skills for cardiac movement and reversible causes of arrest.
- To determine knowledge and skill retention over time.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational pilot study involving 11 paramedics.
- 1-day training course on performing ELS scans on healthy volunteers.
- Assessment of image acquisition, theoretical knowledge, and interpretation skills by emergency medicine physicians.
Main Results:
- All paramedics acquired images in parasternal and subxiphoid views.
- Successful ELS scan acquisition reached 88% in the 10-second pulse check window.
- Significant improvement in theoretical knowledge (54% to 89%), with 82% retention at 10 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Paramedics can be trained to perform focused ELS scans.
- ELS skills can be integrated into simulated cardiac arrest scenarios.
- Further research is needed to implement ELS in real-world cardiac arrest management.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation III: AED Use
1.5K
Introduction to AEDAn Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable medical device that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, delivers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating, leading to a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. In such emergencies, time is of the essence, and using an AED, combined with Cardiopulmonary...
1.5K
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
1.1K
Airway management is a key skill in emergency and critical care settings, as maintaining a clear airway is essential for adequate oxygenation and ventilation.Head Tilt-Chin Lift TechniqueThe head tilt-chin lift maneuver is an essential technique primarily used in patients without suspected cervical spine injuries. To perform this maneuver, one hand is placed on the patient’s forehead, and gentle pressure is applied backward to tilt the head. The fingertips of the other hand are positioned...
1.1K
01:21Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation I: Adult
1.2K
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a life-saving emergency procedure performed when a person's heart has stopped beating or they are no longer breathing. The foundation of CPR is Basic Life Support (BLS), which focuses on the early recognition of cardiac arrest, the immediate start of high-quality chest compressions, and the timely use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).Assessing Responsiveness and Checking the Carotid PulseWhen approaching an unresponsive person, first ensure...
1.2K
01:25Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
1.5K
Pharmacologic intervention is crucial in treating cardiac arrest patients during ACLS or Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. The ACLS algorithms guide the administration of specific drugs based on the patient's cardiac arrest rhythm, which includes pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), asystole, and pulseless electrical activity (PEA).EpinephrineIndication: Epinephrine is the first-line drug for all cardiac arrest rhythms.Mechanism of Action: Epinephrine...
1.5K
01:30Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
879
Airway management is essential in emergency and surgical medicine, ensuring ventilation and oxygenation in patients who cannot maintain their own airway. Clinicians use a range of techniques and devices to secure the airway, depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical context. Key methods include endotracheal intubation, rapid sequence intubation (RSI), supraglottic airway devices, and advanced visualization aids. In cases where these approaches fail, surgical airway...
879
01:30Equipments Used To Measure Blood Pressure
4.0K
Direct Method
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
This invasive approach involves cannulating a peripheral artery. During each cardiac contraction, pressure generates mechanical motion within the catheter, transmitted through rigid, fluid-filled tubing to a transducer. This transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals displayed as waveforms on a monitor. An automatic flushing system prevents blood backflow. Due to the potential risk of unexpected arterial blood loss, this method is primarily used in intensive...
4.0K