The workshop focuses on a range of procedures encountered in rural emergency settings. The fundamentals of emergency medicine ultrasonography with practical stations utilising live participant models, emergency access techniques and chest drainage are presented.

It is of particular relevance for Rural Generalists, rural GPs, GP and Rural Generalist Trainees and Nurse Practitioners (Advanced Scope), especially those working in hospital emergency settings. The workshop aims to assist participants in gaining confidence in skills essential to improved health outcomes in rural and remote acute care patients.

Workshop Content

Presentation, Live Participant Ultrasound Demonstration and Phantom Practical Sessions:

• Ultrasound - safety, terminology and definitions
• Scan plans (sagittal, transverse, oblique) image orientation
• Patient positioning
• Generic knobology applicable to ultrasound equipment
• Cannulation under ultrasound
• Arterial line (presentation)
• Live participant ultrasound scanning session

Presentation and Cadaveric Demonstration and Practical Sessions (Two participants per cadaveric station) :

• Nerve blocks: Intercostal, digital and fascia iliac block 
• Visualisation of the airway: Direct and Video Laryngoscopy
• Laryngeal mask insertion
• Cannot Intubate, Cannot Oxygenate (CICO) and Emergency Front of Neck Access (eFONA): Cricothyroidotomy with anatomical dissection (demo)
• Chest decompression and drainage:
  -  Needle thoracocentesis 
  - Finger thoracostomy
   - Intercostal catheter chest drains
• Peritoneal ascitic tap/drainage