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FAST Performance in a Stationary versus In-Motion Military Ambulance Utilizing Handheld Ultrasound: A Randomized
Cecil J Simmons1, Lisa D Mack1, Aaron J Cronin1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WashingtonUSA.
Prehospital and Disaster Medicine
|August 27, 2020
Summary
Ambulance turbulence did not impact the speed or accuracy of Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) exams. However, image quality was reduced during motion, suggesting experienced sonographers can perform accurate FAST exams in moving ambulances.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Medical Imaging
- Trauma Care
Background:
- Prehospital ultrasound (US) is crucial for unstable patients.
- Ambulance transport presents unique challenges for during-transport US exams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of ambulance motion on the performance of the Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) using a handheld US device.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial compared FAST performance in stationary versus in-motion ambulances.
- Participants (physicians, PAs) used a US phantom model.
- Outcomes included completion time, image acquisition scores, diagnostic accuracy, and survey feedback.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in FAST completion time or diagnostic accuracy between stationary and in-motion groups.
- Image acquisition scores were significantly lower in the in-motion group.
- Participants reported challenges with image acquisition and exam conditions during motion.
Conclusions:
- Ambulance motion does not compromise FAST completion time or diagnostic accuracy.
- Experienced sonographers can perform timely and accurate FAST exams in moving ambulances.
- Further research on handheld US devices in prehospital settings is recommended.
