How Emts Use Portable Sonograms

Sonogram equipment, such as the sonoscape a6v, has changed drastically over recent years. In the "old days," these machines were large and bulky and certainly not portable. New technology has allowed the production of sonogram machines that are suitable for many purposes, including use by EMTs. In fact, emergency personnel who have access to these units are much better equipped to save lives. Local medical administrators need to acquire these units for the emergency personnel in their area.

Ambulance Crews

When EMTs are called to the scene of a possible heart attack, they may have to work on the patient for some time before they are ready to transport to the hospital. In fact, CPR is often necessary, before the patient can be further accessed. When the ambulance crew has a portable sonogram aboard, one EMT can take it to the patient's side and check for signs of a heart attack while another crew member is performing CPR. If the patient can be immediately transported, the portable sonogram can be used while the ambulance is moving. The more information that the EMT crew can gather, the faster life-saving treatment can begin when they arrive at the hospital. Taking a patient history and conducting a physical exam is not enough to accurately diagnose emergency conditions. Ambulance crews can save more people with this technology on board. 

Helicopter Units

When patients are injured or become ill in a hard-to-reach area or need help faster than an ambulance can provide, emergency helicopter crews are sent to transport patients from the scene. Space is at an absolute premium, so the size and weight of medical equipment are serious concerns. Portable sonogram units are lightweight and enable emergency personnel to make critical judgments on the ground in isolated areas. For instance, a vehicle crash in a rural area can cause internal injuries, including abdominal bleeding. A portable sonogram can diagnose this issue on the ground and allow emergency crews to stabilize patients enough to fly them to the hospital, often in as little as three minutes. Training on these units needs to be thorough but can be accomplished in a relatively short period of time. 

Emergency medical crews can be much more effective if they have access to portable sonogram technology. Making certain that each ambulance and rescue helicopter has these units on board can not only improve the level of on-site care, it can ensure that hospital personnel are ready to treat injuries and medical conditions as soon as the patients arrive. These machines are a vital addition to area hospitals.