Geriatric Lunar Resident: Bedside Ultrasound (POCUS)
Geriatric Lunar Resident adaptation of: Point-of-care ultrasound for rapid assessment of critically ill or injured patients. One of the most valuable diagnostic tools in the lunar medical bay.
Indications
FAST exam (trauma), cardiac assessment, lung assessment, DVT evaluation, procedural guidance (IV access, thoracentesis, paracentesis).
Contraindications
No contraindications. Limitations: operator-dependent.
Equipment Required
Standard Equipment
Ultrasound machine (portable preferred), multiple probes (phased array, linear, curvilinear), ultrasound gel.
Lunar Medical Bay Substitutions
Portable bedside ultrasound machine is a REQUIRED item in lunar medical bay. The inability to do CT scanning and X-ray limitations make POCUS invaluable. All medical officers: POCUS certification mandatory. Ultrasound gel: ensure sufficient stock (temperature-stable formulation).
Procedure Steps
FAST (Focused Assessment with Sonography in Trauma): 4 views — right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, pelvic, subxiphoid cardiac. Document each view. Positive FAST = free fluid = likely internal hemorrhage.
Lunar Technique Modifications (1/6 Gravity)
ORIENTATION IN 1/6G: Standard anatomical orientation maintained regardless of gravity. Patient positioning: supine with strapping. Probe contact: more pressure required in reduced gravity (patient compresses less on bed). Image quality equivalent to Earth. Extended FAST (eFAST) adding lung views for pneumothorax detection — highly relevant in lunar trauma.
Telemedicine Guidance Points
Contact Earth Medical Relay (+1.3s delay) at these critical decision points:
Images can be transmitted to Earth radiologist for interpretation. Use telemedicine for unusual findings. Real-time telementoring available for complex scans.
Training Requirements
Medical officers: POCUS certification. Annual competency assessment with image review.
Possible Complications
No procedure-related complications. False negative/positive results from inexperience.