Sound Decisions: The Evolving Role of Pre-Hospital Ultrasound in Trauma Care with Mike Palmer. Part 1

In this episode, we explore the expanding role of ultrasound in pre-hospital trauma care. Once limited to hospital settings, ultrasound is now a vital tool in frontline emergency response, helping clinicians make rapid, informed decisions on scene. We begin by unpacking the physics of ultrasound, how concepts like frequency and resolution influence what can be detected, from internal bleeding to lung collapse.

Next, we get hands-on with practical applications. We’ll cover probe selection and key sonographic indicators for conditions such as pneumothorax, haemothorax, and haemoperitoneum. Real-life case studies, including stab wounds, hangings, and traumatic cardiac arrests, highlight how ultrasound shapes critical interventions in the field.

We’ll also address essential questions around training: What level of skill is needed? How can we ensure ongoing competency? As pre-hospital ultrasound becomes more common, we must confront these challenges head-on.

Finally, we’ll examine the ethical and operational dilemmas posed by point-of-care imaging. When ultrasound findings support high-stakes decisions like performing a thoracotomy or ceasing resuscitation, what responsibilities do clinicians carry?

Join us as we delve into the promises and complexities of ultrasound in pre-hospital trauma care.

This episode is brought to you by IndieBase.

IndieBase is the smart, simple, and budget-friendly Electronic Patient Record (EPR) system designed specifically for the demands of HEMS and pre-hospital care. Whether you're responding solo, working within a flexible team, or managing care across a larger organisation, IndieBase is built to support you. It runs seamlessly on laptops, tablets, or smartphones, and crucially, it operates offline, ensuring you can document care wherever you are, even in the most remote environments. Developed from the proven platform of HEMSbase by Medic One Systems, IndieBase offers a familiar, intuitive interface with the rock-solid reliability clinicians need. It's ready for everything from festival medical cover to high-acuity critical care transfers.

Key features include full integration with all major pre-hospital monitors, case review, and clinical governance modules, making it an ideal solution for teams preparing for CQC registration. A patient feedback module also helps drive service improvement and meaningful engagement. For clinicians working across multiple organisations, IndieBase provides a personal logbook that combines your data and links directly with your existing HEMSbase logbook.

IndieBase EPR made simple, wherever you are.

Find out more at https://indiebase.net/