Use of Ultrasonography to Avoid an Unnecessary Procedure in the Prehospital Combat Environment: A Case Report

Abstract

The role of ultrasonography in the prehospital combat setting has become a useful tool for triage, diagnosis, andtreatment. Recent literature has demonstrated that ultrasonography has a greater sensitivity andspecificity than clinical examination andplain radiography for pneumothorax detection in trauma patients, particularly small pneumothoraces. This becomes especially critical in austere andremote environments. Although many pneumothoraces are initially considered non–life-threatening, austere andcombat environments possess additional risks of limited supplies, multiple casualties, andprolonged evacuation times that may potentially increase the morbidity of these injuries. This case report discusses the role of ultrasonography in pneumothorax detection in the prehospital combat environment.

Key words:

• pneumothorax
• ultrasound