Instructor: Christian Dean, DO, MS, DiMM, FAWM
Time: 14:00-15:00
Type: In-Person

Description:

Point of care ultrasound (pocus) is increasingly portable and practical for use in austere and wilderness environments, where diagnostic uncertainty, prolonged evacuation times, and limited analgesic options complicate care. Sparing the needed eFAST exam, this workshop will review five-ish high-yield ultrasound guided skills that can significantly improve diagnosis and pain control in the backcountry.

I’ll review 1- ultrasound diagnosis of pneumothorax and discussion of needle thoracostomy, 2- intercostal nerve blocks on rib fractures, 3- popliteal sciatic and saphenous nerve blocks for ankle fractures, 4- suprascapular nerve block and acromioclavicular joint infiltration for shoulder injuries, and 5- hematoma blocks for distal radius and clavicle fractures.

Using realistic wilderness case vignettes, including mountaineering, train running, kayaking, and ski touring, participants will review relevant anatomy including neighboring structures, including xrays for bony reference.

This workshop will also address practical considerations unique to expedition medicine including probe selection, medication choice, syringe/volume selection, and strategies to reduce complications. Discussion will include decision making, safety, and procedural feasibility in cold, wet, hot, and logistically constained environments. This will help the attendee to manage life threatening and painful injuries when definitive care is far away.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this session, participants will be able to…

1. Identify key ultrasound findings and adjacent anatomy for pneumothorax, peripheral nerve targets, and common fracture patterns in common wilderness trauma.
2. Select appropriate probe, needle, anesthetic agent/volume for ultrasound guided peripheral nerve and hematoma blocks in austere settings

Price: Registration opening soon