The “Golden Hour” is one of the pillars of emergency medicine. Capitalize on the speed and accuracy of ultrasound to take advantage of every minute. Having the skills to evaluate the abdomen (the FAST procedure) in adult and pediatric patients, cardiac in adult and pediatric patients, and first trimester pregnancy ultrasound may make the difference between life and death!  Participants in this course will benefit from “hands-on scan labs” where you will practice the essential skills and techniques to acquire an ultrasound image for quick and accurate diagnosis in all age ranges.

AHEC has taught this course for physicians in the US, China, and South America. This two day course begins both days with lecture where faculty will review the basics such as: ultrasound physics and instrumentation, anatomy, and procedures and protocols. Following lecture, participants will benefit from our on-site scanning lab with live models for extensive hands-on practice. The course content is based on ACEP guidelines for the performance of Emergency Medicine Ultrasound.

Faculty: Shawn Shanmuganathan, BS, RDMS, RVT- No relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Objectives

At the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Identify the appropriate equipment settings and transducer selection for different ultrasound applications
• Identify and display appropriate normal and abnormal anatomy and orientation in the ultrasound field of view
• Understand variations in adult and pediatric scanning techniques
• Understand variations in scanning protocols for demonstration of pathologies in emergency medicine examinations.
• Successfully perform a focused abdomen exam
• Successfully perform a trauma FAST exam
• Successfully perform the protocol for a bedside cardiac evaluation of pericardial effusion
• Successfully perform a venous system exam
• Discuss and apply scanning techniques for the performance of the female patient and first trimester OB 

Course Topics

• Introduction to ultrasound physics and instrumentation
• Anatomy of the abdominal and retroperitoneal structures
• Anatomy differences in adult and pediatric patients
• Abdominal scan protocols, image orientation, and pathology
  • Aorta
  • Kidney and Bladder
  • Right Upper Quadrant
• Focused Assessment by Sonography in Trauma (FAST) procedure protocol
• Cardiac 2D imaging
• Evaluation of pericardial and pleural effusion
• Venous system evaluation
• OB/GYN ultrasound anatomy and procedures
  • First trimester pregnancy 
  • Early gestation and ectopic pregnancy
• Ultrasound appearance of pathology in case studies
• Introduction to Ultrasound-Guided procedures
• Focused hands-on scan labs

Target Audience

Emergency medicine physicians, trauma surgeons, critical care physicians, intensivists, internal medicine and family practice physicians who will be performing and interpreting emergency ultrasound examinations on adults or pediatric patients.

CME Credits

• “The Advanced Health Education Center, Ltd. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.”
• “The Advanced Health Education Center, Ltd. designates this educational activity for maximum of 16 hours AMA PRA Category 1™. Physicians should claim commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.”

ACEP Credits

• "Approved by the American College of Emergency Physicians for a maximum of 16.00 hour(s) of ACEP Category 1 credit."

Recommended Material

Sound Advice: Emergency Medicine Ultrasound Protocols by Thomas Whelan, RT(R), RDMS, RDCS, RVT, FASE

Scan With the Experts

We understand that you may want/need to practice your new skill set more than the regularly scheduled courses allow. You can add an extra day of scanning in addition to this course by calling AHEC and speaking to a faculty member about our "Scan with the Experts" option. Additionally, "Scan with the Experts" sessions can be set up without registering for a regularly scheduled course to enhance your already developed skills. Call AHEC at 1-800-239-1361 for more information.

AHEC Cancellation and Refund Policy for Skills Courses

AHEC defines a skills course as a limited enrollment course where a received registration with payment reserves your place in a course (i.e. all Ultrasound courses, Mammography Initial Training and other theory courses). For cancellations received at least two weeks prior to the course date, a refund less a 30% processing fee will be given. Within two weeks of the course, no refund is given, but a tuition credit – less a 30% processing fee – may be applied to a future course. No refunds or tuition credit is given for non-attendance. Facilities may substitute employees by notification to AHEC at least one week in advance.