Miami Beach Fire Department Implements Mobile Ultrasound

Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Fire Department has taken another step in advancing pre-hospital emergency care with the introduction of a Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) device. With this mobile ultrasound technology, it will allow the department to further assist patients before they reach the hospital.

The POCUS device enables firefighters to perform real-time ultrasound examinations during life-threatening emergency calls, particularly in the case of cardiac arrests and serious trauma injuries, providing critical imaging of a patient on the spot. The device will be kept in the Emergency Medical Services shift captain’s vehicle. This will allow the device to be shared by multiple units and shifts. With this initiative, Miami Beach becomes the first fire department in Miami-Dade County to successfully implement mobile ultrasound technology in the field.

To ensure the effective use of POCUS, Miami Beach Fire personnel received hands-on training from Dr. Benjamin Abo, a renowned EMS and emergency physician, toxicologist and medical director in Florida.

"Advancing our pre-hospital care is a priority for our department," said Fire Chief Digna Abello. "With the addition of POCUS, we can provide life-saving imaging for patients, allowing the opportunity to make critical interventions in real time."

The ability to assess patients at the scene allows firefighters to determine whether a patient is responding to treatment and how serious their condition may be. This can guide medical decisions, increasing the effectiveness of aid before arriving at a hospital.

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