Ultrasound Life Support Course

Course Description

Specifically designed for healthcare providers who are exploring point of care ultrasound to enhance management of the critically ill patient, the course presents seven core POCUS assessment skills (HIMAPED) that aims to enable a rapid and effective clinical decision making in patients with shock or respiratory failure. ​​​

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will learn how to:

• HEART Perform cardiac ultrasound for the diagnosis of pericardial effusion, systolic left ventricular failure and right heart strain.

• IVC Perform IVC assessment for collapsibility and distensibility.

• MORRISON'S Perform extended-FAST exam for the diagnosis of free pleural, intraperitoneal and pericardial fluid.

• AORTA Perform basic ultrasound examination of the abdominal aorta.

• PLEURAL Perform chest ultrasound for the diagnosis of pneumothorax, pleural effusion and interstitial pattern.

• ECTOPIC Identification of 1st trimester intrauterine pregnancy.

• DVT Perform extended compression ultrasound (ECUS) for the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.

• Screen for and identify the 4 major classes of shock: hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic and obstructive shock.

• Evaluate for volume status, fluid responsiveness and fluid tolerance.

Who Should Attend

Critical care physicians, emergency physicians, physicians, surgeons, anaesthetist, nurse practitioners, residents, medical officers and healthcare workers involved in the management of ill patients.

ACGME-I Competencies

This course is designed to meet one or more of the following ACGME competencies​

• Patient Care

• Medical Knowledge

• Practice-Based Learning and Improvement​