Emergency focussed assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) and haemodynamic stability.

Background: Focussed assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) has assumed a key role in the rapid non-invasive assessment of thoracoabdominal trauma and assists in decreasing disposition time. This study evaluates FAST's efficacy with respect to haemodynamic stability in a South African emergency department (ED).

Methods: Data were collected prospectively by four emergency medicine doctors trained in emergency ultrasonography.

Physiological and psychological illness symptoms at high altitude and their relationship with acute mountain sickness: a prospective cohort study.

Background: The aim of this prospective observational cohort study was to investigate relationships between acute mountain sickness (AMS) and physical and mental health during a high altitude expedition.

Methods: Forty-four participants (mean age, 34 ± 13 y; body mass index, 23.6 ± 3.

FAST scanning in the developing world emergency department.

Objectives: To assess the utility of an existing ultrasound machine for the purposes of focused assessment sonography in trauma (FAST) scanning in a developing world emergency department (ED).

Design: Prospective study undertaken over a 12-month period. Trauma patients attending the ED were FAST scanned by one of three trained emergency medicine doctors.