Updated Video: The Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma, also known as the EFAST, is an ultrasound examination used to evaluate hypotensive and critical patients. Although this exam is typically used for trauma patients, this exam can also provide essential information in any critical patient. The EFAST sharesmany basic components of other point of care ultrasound (POCUS) examination used in emergent and critical care environments and is a good foundation for any of these other examination.
In this video we will review the body compartments evaluated during an EFAST exam and discuss the standard views for evaluation of the critical patient.
We will review how to evaluate for free fluid, which could indicate hemorrhage, for example: hemoperitoneum, hemothorax or hemopericadium.
We will also discuss how cardiac function can be evaluated and its limitations and how to evaluate for pneumothorax.
This video is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This is not medical advice and does indicate a standard of care.