Stay and play eFAST or scoop and run eFAST? That is the question!

UNLABELLED: The concept that ultrasonography could be interesting in the prehospital setting and during the transfer of traumatized patients is not new. Paradoxically, there is a lack of description of routine use of ultrasonography in emergency ambulances. The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and efficiency of an extended focused assessment sonography for trauma (eFAST) examination performed on-site, during the patient's transfer, or both. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2010 to June 2012, 30 prehospital emergency physicians were divided randomly into 3 groups. Group 1 performed an ultrasound examination on-site; group 2, during patient transfer; and group 3, in both settings. The eFAST examination was systematically performed in all severe traumas. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were included. Forty-four eFAST examinations were performed on-site only; 33, only during transport; and 21, in both settings. The feasibility was 95.4%, 93.9%, and 95.2%, respectively, and efficiency, 95%, 97%, and 100%, respectively. There was no significant difference in performance or duration whether the examination was performed on-site, during the transfer, or both (w = 0.68). Last but not least, in 2 cases in group 3, the second examination carried out during transfer showed new results with the occurrence of intraperitoneal effusion in one case and a pleural effusion in the other. CONCLUSIONS: The eFAST examination can provide reliable and important information in the initial evaluation of traumatized patients. It can be completed either on-site or during patient transfer. Its feasibility and efficiency are similar to that done in intensive units, especially if the examination is repeated.

2-point ultrasonography to confirm correct position of the gastric tube in prehospital setting.

UNLABELLED: X-ray remains the "gold standard" test to control the gastric tube (GT) position. The aim of this study is to estimate the diagnostic accuracy of a 2-point ultrasonography to confirm GT placement in the prehospital setting. METHOD: The emergency physician performed an ultrasound examination during GT insertion. The aim was to determine whether or not the GT could be viewed in the esophagus and/or in the stomach. RESULTS: Thirty-two intubated patients were included. In 100% of cases, the GT was instantly identified by ultrasound at esophagus and in 62.5% at stomach. In 6 cases, the GT was not seen in the stomach, but the injection of air through the GT allowed to confirm intragastric position in 2 cases. In the 4 other cases, no dynamic fogging was observed. In hospital X-ray control confirmed the correct positioning of 28/32. CONCLUSION: The 2-point ultrasonographic live control of the GT position has a better sensitivity and a much higher specificity than the syringe test but similar to the xiphoid ultrasound control. However, our method allows to show the GT in the esophagus and to use the dynamic ultrasound fogging to reveal an intragastric position that was not obvious with the common techniques.