Use of Ultrasound for Pre-hospital Care in Saudi Arabia: A National Survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND The use of pre-hospital ultrasound (U/S) in Saudi Arabia requires further elucidation. AIM We aim to assess the use of pre-hospital ultrasound, as well as its barriers and enablers, among emergency medical services (EMS) providers in Saudi Arabia. METHOD This is a cross-sectional observational study, based on a self-administered questionnaire distributed to emergency services personnel in Saudi Arabia between May and August 2022. RESULT 420 EMS providers responded to this survey. 55.5% (n=233) of them had a positive attitude towards using ultrasound in their practice, although about 81% (n=341) had no ultrasound training. Barriers to the implementation of ultrasound included the need for training, difficulty using ultrasound in an ambulance, case overload, and shortage of personnel, among others. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that emergency care providers have a positive attitude towards the use of ultrasound in the pre-hospital setting. Saudi Arabian EMS should invest in training, raising awareness, and establishing or strengthening existing regulations in this regard.

Keywords

• imaging
• emergency care, prehospital
• Ultrasonography
• Diagnostic Imaging