Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a powerful diagnostic tool and has become an important adjunct to clinical decision making in the Emergency Department (ED). It is an effective tool in a variety of clinical scenarios such as thoraco-abdominal trauma, cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, chest pain, and shock. Over the last decade, bedside ultrasound has evolved to guide clinical decision making for ocular, vascular and musculoskeletal complaints in the ED. Its application both in terms of diagnostic capabilities and therapeutic options has contributed significantly to improvement in the quality of patient care, diagnostic accuracy, procedural safety, and cost reduction. As the scope of POCUS continues to broaden, research in the topic has also highlighted how POCUS helps emergency physicians improve their diagnostic accuracy and provide better overall patient care. 

At ESEM, we are aware of the power of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in providing excellent patient care. A team of local emergency physicians with advanced emergency ultrasound training and established the Emergency Ultrasound Committee in December 2014 with the goal to provide high-quality education in this area. The ESEM Emergency Ultrasound Committee publish the “Emergency Ultrasound Credentialing Project” which is first of its kind in the region and is supported by the International Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM) and is compliant with the principles outlined in the IFEM Point-of-Care US EM ultrasound model consensus curriculum. 

Ultrasound has always found a center-stage at ESEM Conferences beginning in 2013. Pre-conference workshops with hands-on ultrasound practice has been a feature at the conference since its conception. Each year special care is taken by the course director to include new applications, techniques and innovation in the field along with emphasis on the basics. 

Keep checking this space for updates on Emergency Ultrasound in the region and ESEM’s initiatives for empowering Emergency health care providers in the region with this powerful tool.