In-flight Ultrasound Changes Medical Outcome

STARS (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service) Air Ambulance is a non-profit emergency air transport organization* that serves rural communities in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada.

Funded by donations from private individuals, STARS was founded by Dr. Gregory Powell, who had seen the difference that helicopter transport could make in patient outcomes as an observer in a M.A.S.H. unit during the Vietnam War. 

In May of 2017, patient Ron Diller collapsed upon arrival at his local hospital. STARS was dispatched to transport Diller by helicopter to the nearest hospital.

During transport, an onboard point-of-care ultrasound with a Sonosite M-Turbo revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This information changed Diller's care path, and may have contributed to a better patient outcome.

^{*Medical scope of practice can vary by state, country and/or local jurisdiction}