GULFCOAST Introduction to Critical Care Ultrasound

Overview

The GULFCOAST Introduction to Critical Care Ultrasound is a comprehensive digital course designed to enhance practical skills and knowledge in critical care ultrasound. This on-demand program covers essential ultrasound physics, system optimization, and clinical applications such as trauma assessment, thoracic and abdominal scanning, vascular access, and ultrasound-guided procedures.

On-demand emergency medicine education — accessible anytime, anywhere.

Content

This course provides foundational and advanced ultrasound training relevant to critical care settings. It includes protocols and techniques to aid in rapid diagnosis and procedural guidance.

• Imaging Fundamentals
• Abdominal Scanning Fundamentals
• Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST)
• Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
• Thoracic Ultrasound: Basic and Advanced Techniques
• Ultrasound Guided Vascular Access
• Ultrasound Guided Emergency and Critical Care Procedures
• Focused Cardiac Ultrasound
• Echo Evaluation of Pericardial Effusion
• Rapid Ultrasound for Shock & Hypotension
• Venous Ultrasound for Point of Care
• COVID-19: General Principles and Ultrasound Applications

OBJECTIVES

• Increase participant’s ability to perform and interpret critical care ultrasound examinations
• Explain basic ultrasound physics and demonstrate system control optimization
• Perform ultrasound evaluation of trauma patients using the E-FAST exam
• Demonstrate image orientation, transducer placement, and scanning protocols for thoracic ultrasound including pneumothorax, pulmonary edema, lung consolidation, and COVID-19
• Outline focused evaluation protocols for the abdomen, aorta, adult heart, and lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Demonstrate image orientation, transducer preparation, and scan protocols for ultrasound-guided vascular access
• Differentiation of normal and abnormal image characteristics of the abdomen and adult heart
• Apply an algorithm for shock and hypotension assessment using bedside ultrasound
• Outline protocols for thoracentesis, pericardiocentesis, paracentesis, and lumbar puncture procedures guided by ultrasound
• Enhance competence in incorporating protocols, scan techniques, and interpretation criteria into clinical practice

Speakers

This course features expert instructors specializing in critical care ultrasound techniques and applications. It is delivered by experienced clinicians focused on integrating ultrasound into emergency and intensive care practices.

Target Audience

This course is designed for emergency medicine physicians, anesthesiologists, internal medicine practitioners, critical care providers, ultrasound technicians, and other healthcare professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge and skills in critical care ultrasound.

Why This Topic Matters

The GULFCOAST Introduction to Critical Care Ultrasound addresses vital diagnostic and procedural techniques essential for critical care specialists. Ultrasound proficiency is increasingly important for rapid bedside evaluation, enhancing decision-making in emergency and intensive care environments.

MedHub Central provides this resource to support clinicians in emergency medicine and related specialties with access to relevant, on-demand ultrasound education, ensuring up-to-date knowledge and practical competence in critical care settings.