The unpublished study is the one that states it was approximately 1 in 10 calls that we used it on. That is the current study going on at Keller. The 1 in 6 is from a study in the European Journal of Emergency Medicine by Hans Xavier. It is published.
Hans Xaver Hoyera, Et. Al. "Prehospital Ultrasound in Emergency Medicine: Incidence, Feasibility, Indications and Diagnoses." European Journal of Emergency Medicine 00.00 (2010). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Total Access Collection. Web. 5 Apr. 2010.
Here is the conclusion.
"Conclusion: Ultrasound is the only imaging modality and a
useful diagnostic tool in prehospital emergency medicine.
Helpful information can be provided in at least one of six
cases (or even more) in a trauma-dominated collective.
Examination time is short; it will not significantly delay
medical care. Ultrasound examination could improve triage
in cases of more than one patient in disaster medicine,
but further studies are necessary. European Journal of
Emergency Medicine 17:254–259 c 2010 Wolters Kluwer
Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins."
I know one in six may sound like a lot. And for some services it probably is a lot. We only found it useful in about one in ten calls, and that's with doing more types of exams than Dr. Xavier did. Take it as you wish. Most paramedics think ultrasound is a waste of time. I admit I was highly skeptical of it at first and only got into it because of a school project. But once you start using it you will see how incredibly useful it is. You think 12 leads are important? Ultrasound can do 20x as much and in the same time period. If you are ever in Texas I welcome you to come by Keller and check it out for yourself.
To those that think JEMS, or I for that matter got paid by an ultrasound company. Two words, "I wish". ;-)
For anyone wanting more information or what not, here is my email
bowmanjp@livemail.uthscsa.edu
Have a great day everybody and be safe out there.
Jason Bowman
