title: Stay and play eFAST or scoop and run eFAST? That is the question!
abstract: The concept that ultrasonography could be interesting in the prehospital setting and during the transfer of traumatized patients is not new. Paradoxically, there is a lack of description of routine use of ultrasonography in emergency ambulances. The aim of this study was to compare the feasibility and efficiency of an extended focused assessment sonography for trauma (eFAST) examination performed on-site, during the patient's transfer, or both.
  
  
  METHODS
  From February 2010 to June 2012, 30 prehospital emergency physicians were divided randomly into 3 groups. Group 1 performed an ultrasound examination on-site; group 2, during patient transfer; and group 3, in both settings. The eFAST examination was systematically performed in all severe traumas.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety-eight patients were included. Forty-four eFAST examinations were performed on-site only; 33, only during transport; and 21, in both settings. The feasibility was 95.4%, 93.9%, and 95.2%, respectively, and efficiency, 95%, 97%, and 100%, respectively. There was no significant difference in performance or duration whether the examination was performed on-site, during the transfer, or both (w = 0.68). Last but not least, in 2 cases in group 3, the second examination carried out during transfer showed new results with the occurrence of intraperitoneal effusion in one case and a pleural effusion in the other.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The eFAST examination can provide reliable and important information in the initial evaluation of traumatized patients. It can be completed either on-site or during patient transfer. Its feasibility and efficiency are similar to that done in intensive units, especially if the examination is repeated.
authors: Prehospital Emergency Medical Services of Marine Fire Battalion, Marseille, France; Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, HIA Desgenettes, Lyon, France. Electronic address: brunpierremarie@voila.fr.
authors: Pierre-Marie
authors: PM
authors: Brun
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France.
authors: Jacques
authors: J
authors: Bessereau
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, Timone University Hospital, Marseille, France.
authors: Hichem
authors: H
authors: Chenaitia
authors: Prehospital Emergency Medical Services of Marine Fire Battalion, Marseille, France.
authors: Anne-Lise
authors: AL
authors: Pradel
authors: Prehospital Emergency Medical Services of Marine Fire Battalion, Marseille, France.
authors: Cecile
authors: C
authors: Deniel
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, HIA Desgenettes, Lyon, France.
authors: Gilles
authors: G
authors: Garbaye
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, HIA Desgenettes, Lyon, France.
authors: Regis
authors: R
authors: Melaine
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, HIA Desgenettes, Lyon, France.
authors: Olivier
authors: O
authors: Bylicki
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care, HIA Desgenettes, Lyon, France.
authors: Christophe
authors: C
authors: Lablanche
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000552:Ambulances; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*