POCUS for the Critical Care Provider

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Stephen Ramsey

PT, DPT, CCS

Robert Baeten

DMSc, PA-C, FCCP

Rebecca O'Grady

DNP
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This two-day immersive course focuses on the practical application of ultrasound to assess physiologic readiness, identify causes of clinical instability, and guide safe, informed clinical decision-making.

Participants will develop hands-on skills in lung and diaphragm ultrasound, cardiac assessment, inferior vena cava evaluation, vascular screening for DVT and abdominal aortic aneurysm, and muscle ultrasound for detecting and monitoring critical illness–associated weakness. Dedicated instruction on mechanical circulatory support (LVAD and Impella) will highlight ultrasound’s role in assessing preload, ventricular interaction, and physiologic tolerance.

Emphasis is placed on integrating ultrasound findings into clinical workflow—linking image acquisition to physiologic interpretation and real-world decision-making. Through hands-on labs and case-based integration, participants will learn to use ultrasound to enhance patient safety, improve clinical reasoning, and monitor physiologic responses over time.

  • Video time: X hours
  • Exams: X

Course Overview: POCUS for the Critical Care Provider

Day 1

Module 1: Role of Ultrasound, Terminology, and Workflow Integration

  • Role of ultrasound in physiologic assessment
  • Key terminology and interpretation principles
  • Clinical decision-making framework
  • Integration into bedside workflow

Module 2: Diaphragm and Lung Ultrasound

Lung ultrasound protocol and findings
Diaphragm thickness, thickening fraction, excursion
Pathology
  • Lung sliding
  • Lung point (conceptual)
  • Absence of lung sliding (interpretation limitations)
  • Pleural effusion
  • Consolidation
  • Pulmonary edema

Module 3: Inferior Vena Cava and Volume StatusPractical approach

  • IVC anatomy and imaging
  • Collapsibility and distensibility
  • Volume status interpretation

Module 4: Cardiac Ultrasound Fundamentals

Parasternal short axis
Parasternal Long Axis
Apical four chamber
Subcostal view
  • LV and RV function assessment
  • EPSS, FS, TAPSE, TV Free Wall s’ 
  • RV:LV ratio (Apical 4 chamber)
  • Septal position and pericardial effusion
  • D-sign (PSAX)
  • Tamponade

Module 5A: Mechanical Circulatory Support Assessment (LVAD and Impella)For your career

LVAD/Impella Assessment 
  • LV size and preload assessment
  • RV function and interventricular dependence
  • Septal position and suction risk
  • Volume status integration
  • LV unloading assessment
  • RV limitation identification
  • Septal position interpretation

Clinical application:
  • Physiologic implication
  • Identifying mobilization risk
  • Interpreting physiologic limitations

Module 5B: Cardiopulmonary and MCS Clinical Integration Lab

  • Obtaining cardiac views in supine then sitting
  • Case-based interpretation
  • Integration of lung, diaphragm, cardiac, IVC, and MCS findings

Day 2

Module 6: DVT/AAA/Peripheral Arterial Flow (FMD)

DVT
  • Venous anatomy
  • Compression ultrasound technique


Aorta
  • Aorta Anatomy
  • AAA


Peripheral Arterial
  • Velocity
  • Diameter
  • FMD

Module 7: Clinical integration through Cases and Open Lab

  • Cardiac, IVC, Lung/Diaphragm, DVT, AAA integration and clinical reasoning

Module 8: Emergency Ultrasound – RUSH and E-FAST Exam

  • Role of ultrasound in emergency and critical care assessment
  • Ultrasound use in hypotension and shock
  • RUSH exam framework: Pump, Tank, Pipes
  • FAST and E-FAST exam components:

Module 9: Implementation and Competency Development

  • Clinical implementation strategies
  • Documentation/Billing
  • Workflow integration
  • Competency development

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