Compared to other diagnostic methods, Point-of-Care (POC) Ultrasound offers a more efficient assessment tool for urgent medical conditions, reducing wait times that may delay and impact treatment in emergency situations. Point-of-Care Ultrasound is a fast, real-time, non-invasive and safe imaging method, expanding the possibilities of care in many front-line environments, including: Emergency, Intensive Care and Pain Management.

In Australia, the adoption of the latest high-end POC ultrasound - Mindray TEX20 at Cairns Hospital, Queensland, empowers emergency clinicians to cope with challenges such as limited resources, diverse patient population, and lack of follow-up care.

The time-sensitive nature and complex patient presentation of emergency care requires rapid assessment, diagnosis, and treatment due to the acute and potentially life-threatening conditions that may present.

#ReimaginedPOC series episode 1

Human "X-Ray Vision"

North Queensland has large areas with remote and rural communities. Health disparities and limited specialist services can pose difficulties in accessing healthcare services. POC ultrasound can help provide more efficient and accurate diagnosis.

Dr Katrina Starmer

Emergency Specialist, Cairns Hospital

If you have ultrasound, it's like having a window looking into the workings of a patient. It's like having your own X-Ray vision.

United to Define Better Emergency Care

The collaboration between hospitals and industry partners requires open communication, alignment of goals, and a shared focus on patient care and outcomes.

Linton Harriss

Skills Centre Lead, Cairns Hospital

Industry partnership can help improve education scenarios by providing effective high-fidelity equipment. This translates to improved patient safety and quality of care.

Dr Raed Khuffash

Emergency Physician, Cairns Hospital

It's important that we have a good partnership for servicing, for ongoing education, and also giving feedback regarding some of the software and hardware improvements that we would like to see in the future.

20 Minutes Can Be Critical in Emergency Situations

Emergency ultrasound is focused on answering specific clinical questions and is often used to diagnose conditions like internal bleeding, collapsed lungs, or heart failure. Point-of-Care Ultrasound enables clinicians to initiate appropriate treatment and improve long-term outcomes.

Dr Luke Wheatley

Emergency Staff Specialist, Cairns Hospital

Clinicians use ultrasound to answer specific clinical questions, extending their examination of the patient. Point-of-care ultrasound is essential for time-critical situations like ruptured AAA or ectopic pregnancy, enabling quick diagnosis.