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Authors: Mark Winstanley, Harvey Pynn, Susanna Price / Codes: RP3, SLO3 / Published: 07/10/2015

Focused Echocardiography in Emergency Life Support (FEEL) is a learning program including a one-day course, which is designed to introduce the student to the use of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and lung ultrasound in the emergency setting.

A FEEL scan is performed during the 10 second pulse and rhythm check within the ALS algorithm, with the scanner then assessing the images while CPR continues. It is important to note it is an adjunct to the ALS algorithm and should not detract from effective CPR.

It is most useful in the non-shockable side of the algorithm and can be an aid when considering the 4 Hs and the 4 Ts of the ALS Algorithm. In particular the things you are looking for are:

  • Tension pneumothorax
  • Cardiac Tamponade
  • Thrombus – Pulmonary and Coronary
  • Hypovolaemia

Lt Col Pynn’s Top Tips:

  1. Correct Depth – Increase the depth especially in sub-xiphoid or sub-costal view to gain a good view of the heart, the heart is a lot further form the probe than you may expect.
  2. The Sub xiphoid and sub-costal view is the most appropriate in cardiac arrest as it doesn’t interfere with the person doing compressions and the other views may be more difficult if there is an automated compression device.

If this has given you an interest and you want to book on a course then follow this link, which will take you to the website.

https://www.resus.org.uk/information-on-courses/focused-echocardiography-in-emergency-life-support/

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