Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use in mountain emergency medicine: results from an international online survey
Dublin Core
Title
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use in mountain emergency medicine: results from an international online survey
Subject
Echocardiography, Emergency medicine, Mountain medicine, POCUS, Ultrasound
Description
Background The extent to which point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is currently being used in international mountain
emergency medicine has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the use of POCUS in
mountain rescue organizations which are members of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR).
Methods We asked 92 ICAR member organizations to complete an online survey to gather information about
staffing, ultrasound equipment, indications, perceived utility, and aspects of education and clinical supervision.
Results Our survey had a response rate of 42% (n=39). The availability of POCUS in rescue organizations was
associated with the type of staffing and rescue provided. Organizations with POCUS (31%, n=12) were permanently
(67%, n=8; 95%-CI: 35–90%) or intermittently (33%, n=4; 95%-CI: 10–65%) staffed by physicians (p=0.006). POCUS
was mostly available in organizations with professional staff (58%, n=7; 95%-CI: 28–85%). In contrast, organizations
with voluntary staff mostly did not use POCUS (70%, n=19; 95%-CI: 50–86%) (p=0.002). Organizations with
POCUS mostly provided a combination of both HEMS and terrestrial rescue (75%, n=9; 95%-CI: 43–95%), whereas
organizations without POCUS (69%, n=27) mostly provided terrestrial rescue alone (70%, n=19; 95%-CI: 50–86%)
(p=0.001). Most organizations (67%, n=8) used POCUS in <10% of their treated patients. In these select patients,
however, POCUS was perceived to change on-site treatment and improve patient outcomes. POCUS was considered
equally relevant in both medical and traumatic emergencies. Half of the providers used standardized ultrasound
protocols (50%, n=6). Half of the rescue organizations did not record POCUS findings (50%, n=6). Most rescue
organizations did not have a framework in place for education and clinical supervision (91%, n=10).
Conclusions Our survey shows that POCUS plays a considerable role in international mountain emergency
medicine. POCUS is primarily used by physicians in HEMS but is also available in organizations who provide terrestrial
rescue. Most rescue providers use POCUS in select patient groups, with perceived benefits on clinical decision-making
and patient outcomes. Although providers often use standardized protocols when performing examinations, aspects
of education and clinical supervision will need to be addressed in the future.
Keywords Echocardiography, Emergency medicine, Mountain medicine, POCUS, Ultrasound
emergency medicine has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the use of POCUS in
mountain rescue organizations which are members of the International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR).
Methods We asked 92 ICAR member organizations to complete an online survey to gather information about
staffing, ultrasound equipment, indications, perceived utility, and aspects of education and clinical supervision.
Results Our survey had a response rate of 42% (n=39). The availability of POCUS in rescue organizations was
associated with the type of staffing and rescue provided. Organizations with POCUS (31%, n=12) were permanently
(67%, n=8; 95%-CI: 35–90%) or intermittently (33%, n=4; 95%-CI: 10–65%) staffed by physicians (p=0.006). POCUS
was mostly available in organizations with professional staff (58%, n=7; 95%-CI: 28–85%). In contrast, organizations
with voluntary staff mostly did not use POCUS (70%, n=19; 95%-CI: 50–86%) (p=0.002). Organizations with
POCUS mostly provided a combination of both HEMS and terrestrial rescue (75%, n=9; 95%-CI: 43–95%), whereas
organizations without POCUS (69%, n=27) mostly provided terrestrial rescue alone (70%, n=19; 95%-CI: 50–86%)
(p=0.001). Most organizations (67%, n=8) used POCUS in <10% of their treated patients. In these select patients,
however, POCUS was perceived to change on-site treatment and improve patient outcomes. POCUS was considered
equally relevant in both medical and traumatic emergencies. Half of the providers used standardized ultrasound
protocols (50%, n=6). Half of the rescue organizations did not record POCUS findings (50%, n=6). Most rescue
organizations did not have a framework in place for education and clinical supervision (91%, n=10).
Conclusions Our survey shows that POCUS plays a considerable role in international mountain emergency
medicine. POCUS is primarily used by physicians in HEMS but is also available in organizations who provide terrestrial
rescue. Most rescue providers use POCUS in select patient groups, with perceived benefits on clinical decision-making
and patient outcomes. Although providers often use standardized protocols when performing examinations, aspects
of education and clinical supervision will need to be addressed in the future.
Keywords Echocardiography, Emergency medicine, Mountain medicine, POCUS, Ultrasound
Creator
Niels Holthof1,2* , Natalie Hölzl2,3, Juan Manuel Funk2,4, Simon Rauch2,5,6, Giacomo Strapazzon2,6,7 and Peter Paal2,8
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-025-01456-w
Date
2026
Contributor
Peri Irawan
Format
PDF
Language
ENGLISH
Type
TEXT
Files
Collection
Citation
Niels Holthof1,2* , Natalie Hölzl2,3, Juan Manuel Funk2,4, Simon Rauch2,5,6, Giacomo Strapazzon2,6,7 and Peter Paal2,8, “Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use in mountain emergency medicine: results from an international online survey,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 11, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12056.