Ultrasound in Emergency and Critical Care

Dr Harith Al-Rawi
Ultrasound in Emergency and Critical Care PG Cert
One of the best things I have done in my career was to gain the PG Cert in Focused Ultrasound. It was hard work in terms of arranging sessions to attend and learning about ultrasound physics on top of the day job and the family life! But it was well worth it and hardly a clinical day goes by now without using the ultrasound machine. I now teach on ultrasound courses locally, regionally and nationally. It has not only helped me and my trainees improve their clinical and diagnostic skills, but most importantly improved patient care in a timely and efficient manner.

Chris Blakeley
Ultrasound in Emergency and Critical Care PG Cert
Since undertaking the PG Certificate in Focused Ultrasound myself several years ago, the use of ultrasound in my daily work has increased considerably. Initially using ultrasound for FAST scans in trauma and aortic aneurysm detection, I now use ultrasound routinely in many common presentation in A&E from DVT to upper abdominal pain. I have also developed a level 1 Ultrasound course for Emergency Medicine trainees and published several papers and case reports on the use of ultrasound in Emergency Medicine.

Colin Deane
Ultrasound in Emergency and Critical Care PG Cert
I am currently a Consultant Clinical Scientist in the Vascular Laboratory in the Department of Medical Engineering & Physics. My teaching and research is founded on clinical work where we use ultrasound techniques for non-invasive diagnostic ultrasound of the circulation.



I am currently President Elect of the British Medical Ultrasound Society. This multi-disciplinary society is committed to promoting the science of medical ultrasound and its safe and effective implementation. Central to this is teaching and training of the many staff who now use ultrasound in the routine clinical practice. The increased availability of low-cost highly capable ultrasound scanners offers opportunities and challenges to ensure that ultrasound is used competently in many healthcare settings.



King’s College ultrasound courses offer the opportunity to work with students to develop their knowledge and skills and to advance the science and good practice of medical ultrasound. A central part of this is to make the science of ultrasound understandable to those without a strong technical background by showing how the science affects image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Nicky Drake
Ultrasound in Emergency and Critical Care PG Cert
I am employed as an Emergency Department Consultant at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. As well as frequently using Ultrasound imaging in my work, I am an experienced Ultrasound trainer and I teach both nationally and internationally.



Following completion of the PG Cert Focused Ultrasound here at King’s I went on to complete the PG Diploma in Medical Ultrasound which involved undertaking a module in Research Methods and a Work Based Learning negotiated topic.



I am currently completing my MSc in Medical Ultrasound and co-directing the PG Cert Focused Ultrasound course. I also hold the Certificate in Focused Emergency Ultrasound from the College of Emergency Medicine (CEM) and I am a member of the CEM Ultrasound accreditation board.

Rosie Simpson
Ultrasound in Emergency and Critical Care PG Cert
The CASE accredited PG Cert in Focused Ultrasound has been established at King’s College since 2005. This is a 60 credit double module designed to answer specific clinical questions. The Co-Directors are Consultant Emergency Physicians who have successfully completed this course. Further modules can then be taken to achieve a PG Diploma or MSc Medical Ultrasound.



The course is delivered by experts in the field and lectures take place in three teaching blocks of one week each; there is extensive student support and contact time. Hands-on teaching sessions are included as the course has dedicated ultrasound machines and teaching is supplemented by e-learning, including regular case discussion within the student group.



I have been Programme Director for the MSc Medical Ultrasound Programme at King's College since April 2008 and have been a lecturer and clinical instructor since 1991. I continue to undertake regular ultrasound scanning sessions to maintain my clinical skills. I also am an accredited counsellor, working one evening a week in primary care and supervising the clinical work of a team of trainee Doctorate Counselling Psychologists.

Tim Harris
Ultrasound in Emergency and Critical Care PG Cert
I have been studying Medical Ultrasound for around 10 years, having originally trained in Australia. I am research lead for the London School of Emergency Medicine and I’m running two projects which are research based around Medical Ultrasound, both looking at IVC size as a measure of pre-load. I have recently run an observational study looking at IVC measures in severe trauma.



I am also the College of Emergency Medicine Medical Ultrasound lead for NE Thames. I run level one, level two and basic echo courses. I work with London Helicopter Emergency Service (HEMS) and have been involved in the development of Medical Ultrasound within the service.