TRAINING: Rob Keating tests the new compact ultrasound machine on his son, Braeden.PHOTO/SUPPLIED
TRAINING: Rob Keating tests the new compact ultrasound machine on his son, Braeden.PHOTO/SUPPLIED
New portable medical equipment will enable paramedics on board the Northland Electricity rescue helicopters to quickly assess patients during life-threatening emergencies.
The ultrasound equipment has been used on the region's rescue helicopters over the busy New Year holiday period and has already been used more than half-a-dozen times on injuredpatients. The machine is compact and light-weight, making it ideal for operation in the cramped surrounds of the helicopter.
St John intensive care flight paramedics who accompany the rescue helicopters on each flight have received comprehensive training on the new equipment.
Paramedic Rob Keating said the new technology would help save more lives.
"Patients with abdominal or chest injuries can be quickly scanned by ultrasound, resulting in internal injuries being diagnosed with a high level of accuracy. .
"Early diagnosis of internal injuries means the St John paramedics can decide on the best treatment for the patient, whether that be a change in treatment plan, or transporting them to an appropriate hospital for specialist care."
The diagnostic ultrasound is a safe, painless and rapid imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves to penetrate the human body. Echoes of these sound waves are detected and allow the clinician to have a 3D, real time view of a patients internal organs.
Chief pilot Peter Turnbull said the intensive care paramedics were now leading the charge in New Zealand, having undertaken specific training by emergency physicians.
"Traditionally, ultrasounds were performed by doctors in the emergency department; but now there's a worldwide trend for paramedics to take this technology and use it outside the hospital - in our case, the air.
"The new equipment will expand the care and service we provide to our patients, while benefiting the community as a whole. You never know when you might need it."
