Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) 

Develop a systematic approach to ultrasound assessment in trauma.

This intermediate course is designed for physicians and other healthcare professionals who want to develop the practical skills needed to confidently perform a Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma (FAST) examination.

The course focuses on how to obtain the four essential FAST views, recognize findings consistent with a positive FAST examination, avoid common pitfalls, and integrate ultrasound findings into the clinical assessment of trauma patients.

What you will learn

Throughout the course, we will cover:

• Right upper quadrant (RUQ) – learn how to obtain the hepatorenal view and assess for free fluid.
• Subcostal view – learn how to obtain the cardiac view and assess the pericardial space for fluid.
• Left upper quadrant (LUQ) – learn how to obtain the splenorenal view and assess for free fluid.
• Suprapubic view – learn how to assess the pelvis for free fluid, including the relevant differences in male and female anatomy.
• Positive FAST examination – recognize the ultrasound characteristics of free fluid and findings consistent with a positive FAST.
• Common pitfalls – understand potential sources of error and how to avoid misinterpreting the examination.

Who is this course for?

Physicians and other healthcare professionals who want to develop a practical and structured approach to performing and interpreting FAST examinations in trauma patients.

Course access

6 months of online access.
Learn at your own pace and revisit the material throughout your access period.

Medically reviewed by Gordy Johnson, MD, Medical Director of POCUS.