The value of prehospital echocardiography in shock management

Establishing the cause is a key part of prehospital management of shock. It is essential to determine whether the condition is of cardiac or noncardiac origin. Herein, we discuss the case of a patient undergoing prehospital management of acute dyspnea associated with shock. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) at the bedside allowed early diagnosis of tamponade due to hemopericardium resulting from overdose of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs). Prehospital TTE, which can be performed at the bedside for patients with unstable hemodynamic status, constitutes a precious tool in establishing the diagnosis, adjusting therapy, and directing patients quickly toward the appropriate hospital department.