Echocardiography Performed by Combat Medics: A Feasibility Study

Echocardiography is the preferred method for the visual assessment of bubble load in divers. This study evaluates the feasibility of a microteaching program for training combat medics to perform ultrasound measurements using echocardiography for self-monitoring decompression stress on the waterside.

A microteaching was provided to combat medics of the Netherlands Armed Forces. Participants used a handheld ultrasound device connected to a tablet. After two minutes practice time, medics performed and recorded videos on randomly assigned partners while being assessed by an anesthesiologist. Three outcomes were measured: (1) observer-assessed performance adapted from Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS); (2) self-perceived procedure experience; and (3) video recording quality on a five-point scale.

All 21 combat medics completed the microteaching program. Three out of 21 video recordings were lost due to technical issues. All participants successfully obtained at least a partial cardiac view (median time: 61 seconds). Performance scores indicated near-competence across preparation, time-motion, and procedural flow. Image quality ratings by two reviewers showed near-perfect intra-rater agreement (κ = 0.904 and κ = 0.960) but substantial inter-rater variability (κ = 0.671); the assessor's median scores were 2.75 and 3.0 out of 5.0, respectively. Most recordings received average scores of 3.0 or higher.

This study demonstrates that combat medics, following a brief microteaching session, were able to acquire cardiac ultrasound images partially suitable for assessing vascular gas emboli (VGE). These findings support microteaching as a feasible first step in echocardiography training for combat medics in austere environments.