Distribution and use of mobile ultrasound devices in preclinical emergency medicine in Austria

ObjectiveIn recent years, mobile, handheld ultrasound devices (US devices) have also become widespread in prehospital emergency medicine. In this work, for the first time, an overview of the number of mobile US devices in emergency medical response vehicles (EMV) in Austria is given. Furthermore, since in this prehospital setting the equipment can be exposed to extreme conditions, the most stressed equipment components are discussed. MethodsBy means of an online search as well as telephone contact with persons from the emergency medical services (EMS), the number of mobile US devices in Austria was determined. The survey regarding the distribution of devices was conducted from May-November 2021. In addition, an online survey was sent to all emergency physicians actively working in Austria in order to elicit, among other things, their experiences regarding the use and assurance of the quality of mobile US devices. ResultsAt the time of data collection, 65.85% of all airborne and 31.97% of all ground-based EMV for emergency medicine in Austria own mobile US devices. In the course of the survey, 271 participants could be evaluated. For 186 persons (68.64%) a mobile US device is available. 153 persons (82.26%) use the devices actively especially for the detection of pneumothorax or free fluid. They indicated that, with regard to the equipment, cables, followed by ultrasound probes, were the most mechanically stressed parts of the systems. ConclusionBy surveying the distribution of mobile US devices in prehospital emergency medicine in Austria, a reference point for future developments of US in this setting was created. In addition, the main areas of use and challenges of the devices and emergency personnel could be identified.