Advanced Trauma Life Support ATLS Student Course Manual 2018

Skill Station E
ADJUNCTS
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify the appropriate positioning of an
ultrasound probe for FAST and eFAST exams.
2. Identify fluid on still images or video of FAST exam.
3. Identify ultrasound evidence of pneumothorax on
video images of an eFAST exam.
4. Use a structured approach to interpret a chest x-ray
and identify injuries present (see Skill Station
B: Breathing).
5. Explain the value of the anteroposterior (AP) pelvic
x-ray examination to identify the potential for
massive blood loss, and describe the maneuvers
that can be used to reduce pelvic volume and
control bleeding.
6. Use a structured approach to interpreting a plain
x-ray of the spine or CT (based on course director’s
preference).
7. Use a structured approach to evaluating a pelvic x-ray.
Skills Included in this
Skill Station
••
Perform a FAST Exam and Properly
Position Probes
••
Perform an eFAST Exam and Properly
Position Probes
••
Identify Abnormal eFAST on Still or Video
Images
••
Identify Fluid on FAST Video or Still Images of
FAST
••
Evaluate Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Images
••
Interpret a Pelvic X-Ray
Perform a FAst Exam and
pRoperly Position Probes
STEP 1. Use a low-frequency probe (3.5 mHz).
Start with the heart to ensure the gain is
set appropriately. Fluid within the heart
will appear black. Place the probe in the
subxyoid space, with the probe marker to
n FIGURE G-1
the right (n FIGURE G-1). The probe angle
is shallow, and the liver is used as an
acoustic window.
STEP 2. Move to the right upper quadrant view.
Place the probe marker toward the head
in the coronal plane in the anterior
axillary line (n FIGURE G-2). Rotate the
probe obliquely and scan from cephalad to
caudad to visualize the diaphragm, liver,
and kidney.
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