Lung & Pleural Ultrasound in Critical Care

Course Overview

This focused module addresses the rapidly expanding role of lung and pleural ultrasound in critical care and emergency medicine settings. Participants will learn to apply the BLUE (Bedside Lung Ultrasound in Emergency) protocol for rapid dyspnoea assessment, and develop proficiency in the characterisation of pleural effusions, pneumothorax detection, and lung consolidation patterns.

The course is designed for sonographers and clinicians working in ICU, emergency, or respiratory settings who wish to formalise their POCUS skills. Emphasis is placed on real-time decision-making and the integration of lung ultrasound findings with clinical assessment.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply the BLUE protocol for systematic lung ultrasound assessment in acute dyspnoea
• Identify and characterise pleural effusions including transudates, exudates, and haemothorax
• Detect pneumothorax using the absence of lung sliding and B-line patterns
• Recognise consolidation, atelectasis, and interstitial syndrome patterns
• Perform ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis planning and needle guidance
• Integrate lung ultrasound findings with clinical and haemodynamic assessment

Curriculum