POCUS: Global FAST – Rapidly Detecting Treatable Forms of Shock, Advanced Life Support, and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

The use of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for uncharacterized shock, cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), advanced life support (ALS), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has become an important intervention for rapidly addressing treatable causes of impending and actual CPA. This chapter discusses the uses and limitations of Global focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) for treatable shock, ALS, and CPR. It describes the ultrasound settings, probe preferences, and patient positioning and preparation for the Global FAST approach. The rapid detection of pneumothorax is possible using the Global FAST approach in both spontaneously and mechanically ventilated patients. The major difference between rapid ultrasound in shock (RUSH) and Global FAST is the evaluation of the aorta because people have a higher prevalence of aortic aneurysm and dissection that would be missed during FAST without an add-on ultrasound assessment. The chapter also provides a discussion on Global FAST for advanced life support and patient management.