Evaluation of focussed assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) by UK emergency physicians

Objectives: To evaluate the introduction of a focussed assessment with sonography in trauma ( FAST) scan into the early assessment of trauma patients in the UK. Methods: The setting was an inner city teaching hospital emergency department ( annual attendance 100 000). All patients aged 16 or over admitted to the resuscitation room after blunt trauma were included in a prospective observational study. Patients had a FAST scan performed at the end of the primary survey. Results were compared to results of other investigations, laparotomy, postmortem examination, or observation. Results: 153 patients were entered into the study. The sensitivity of the FAST scan was 78% and specificity was 99%. Conclusion: FAST is a highly specific "rule in'' technique and is useful in the initial assessment of trauma patients. Emergency physicians can perform FAST after a brief training period.