Ocean City paramedics add ultrasound to their toolbox

January 7, 2023

Han Cechini,

OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City paramedics are bringing new equipment into the field to better treat trauma patients.

Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) says the Ocean City Career Fire/EMS Division is getting ready to add ultrasound technology to its crews. Officials say the equipment will help determine the extent of injuries in trauma and medical patients.

The technology will allow paramedics to quickly and accurately assess how severe injuries are, say officials. Uses for ultrasound technology could include abdominal pain, cardiac arrest, and a suspected tension pneumothorax, according to OCFD.

“We are excited to add ultrasound to our toolbox,” said OCFD Public Information Officer Ryan Whittington in a release. “This technology allows us to make more informed decisions about how to best treat and transport our patients. It also enables us to transport patients to the most appropriate hospital for further evaluation and treatment.”

Because of Ocean City’s proximity to trauma centers, OCFD says paramedics can use ultrasound to determine if a patient should be taken by helicopter to a level 1 trauma center, or by ambulance to a local trauma center.

“Having this technology at our fingertips allows us to provide the highest level of care to our patients,” said Whittington in the release. “We are committed to using all available resources to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.”

Dr. Steve St. Pierre of Atlantic General Hospital, and TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Hospital, are assisting in training. They will also help provide quality assurance for the department. The equipment was purchased by the Ocean City Paramedics Foundation, Inc.