[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 19982]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           ULTRASOUND IMAGING

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise to speak about the use of ultrasound 
imaging by emergency physicians. October 2006 marks the 10-year 
anniversary of the establishment of the American College of Emergency 
Physicians, ACEP, Section of Emergency Ultrasound, which actively 
encourages research and training of emergency physicians in the use of 
emergency ultrasound. October 15, 2006, celebrates Emergency Ultrasound 
Day.
  As a trauma surgeon, I spent many days and nights serving the 
emergency department. Emergency ultrasound, defined as the use of 
ultrasound imaging at the patient's bedside, is a critical component of 
quality emergency medical care. Ultrasound imaging enhances the 
physician's ability to evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients in the 
emergency department. It provides immediate information and can answer 
specific questions about the patient's physical condition, such as 
determining whether a presenting patient has thoracic and abdominal 
traumas, ectopic pregnancy, pericardial effusion, and many other 
conditions.
  High-quality emergency care is dependent on rapid diagnostic tools, 
enhanced safety of emergency procedures, and reduced treatment time. 
Imaging technology has greatly improved quality of care and made 
invasive medical procedures safer.
  Emergency physicians are trained in the use of imaging equipment 
during their residency as well as continuing medical education courses. 
Hospital privileges further validate this training.
  Emergency ultrasound has moved outside the hospital due to its 
compact nature. In fact, emergency ultrasound technology is helpful 
onsite during military and disaster medical care. It has served in the 
care of America's brave military troops during both the gulf and Iraq 
wars. Also, emergency ultrasound was used to care for patients last 
year after Hurricane Katrina and will be helpful in responding to other 
disasters and mass casualty events.
  Mr. President, I congratulate the work of the ACEP Section of 
Emergency Ultrasound. It has increased awareness of the contribution 
and value of emergency ultrasound by emergency physicians in the 
medical care of emergency patients, survivors of disasters, and our 
military forces serving at home and abroad. Research in this field 
should continue to be encouraged to allow the adaptation of critical 
technologies to continually improve the quality of emergency care.

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