title: Prehospital emergency ultrasound: a review of current clinical applications, challenges, and future implications.
abstract: Imaging modalities in the prehospital setting are helpful in the evaluation and management of time-sensitive emergency conditions. Ultrasound is the main modality that has been applied by emergency medical services (EMS) providers in the field. This paper examines the clinical applications of ultrasound in the prehospital setting. Specific focus is on applications that provide essential information to guide triage and management of critical patients. Challenges of this modality are also described in terms of cost impact on EMS agencies, provider training, and skill maintenance in addition to challenges related to the technical aspect of ultrasound.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Mazen J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: El Sayed
authors.forename: Elie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zaghrini