Point-of-Care Ultrasound Training by Kung Medics

Build confidence in the practical use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for the assessment of acutely unwell and injured patients.

The Core Emergency Ultrasound Level 1 (POCUS) Course by Kung Medics is a practical, hands-on training programme designed for doctors and healthcare professionals who want to develop a structured approach to bedside ultrasound in emergency and acute-care settings.

The course focuses on the core ultrasound skills commonly required when assessing patients in the Emergency Department, Acute Medical Unit, Critical Care environment and other acute clinical areas.

Rather than simply teaching candidates how to obtain an image, the course emphasises how to integrate ultrasound findings with the clinical assessment and use POCUS safely as part of real-time decision-making.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is particularly suitable for:

• Emergency Medicine doctors

• Foundation doctors

• Core and specialty trainees

• Acute Medicine doctors

• Critical Care and Anaesthetic trainees

• General Practice doctors working in urgent care

• International Medical Graduates entering UK clinical practice

• Doctors preparing for MRCEM or FRCEM examinations

• Clinicians beginning their POCUS training

• Doctors who have attended ultrasound teaching previously but lack confidence scanning independently

• Healthcare professionals who want more supervised hands-on ultrasound practice

No advanced ultrasound experience is required.

What You Will Learn

The course introduces a structured approach to core emergency ultrasound and provides extensive opportunity for supervised scanning.

Topics include:

• Basic ultrasound physics

• Understanding ultrasound machine controls

• Probe selection and orientation

• Image optimisation

• Safe and systematic scanning techniques

• Recognising normal anatomy

• Identifying common abnormal findings

• Understanding the limitations of POCUS

• Integrating ultrasound findings with the clinical picture

• Documentation and appropriate escalation of findings

Ultrasound Machine Fundamentals

Candidates learn how to confidently use an ultrasound machine, including:

• Selecting the correct probe

• Adjusting depth

• Adjusting gain

• Optimising image quality

• Understanding probe markers

• Recognising orientation

• Saving and reviewing images

• Using common ultrasound modes appropriately

Developing these basic skills is essential before progressing to clinical scanning.

Focused Assessment of the Abdominal Aorta

Candidates learn how to identify and assess the abdominal aorta using point-of-care ultrasound.

Training includes:

• Locating the abdominal aorta

• Differentiating the aorta from the inferior vena cava

• Scanning in transverse and longitudinal views

• Identifying relevant anatomical landmarks

• Measuring the aortic diameter appropriately

• Recognising appearances that may suggest abdominal aortic aneurysm

Clinical integration and the limitations of bedside ultrasound are discussed throughout.

Focused Assessment for Free Fluid

Candidates are introduced to focused ultrasound assessment for free fluid in appropriate clinical settings.

Training may include:

• Right upper quadrant assessment

• Left upper quadrant assessment

• Pelvic views

• Recognition of potential free fluid

• Understanding common artefacts and pitfalls

• Integrating ultrasound findings with trauma assessment and clinical presentation

Focused Echocardiography

Candidates develop introductory skills in focused cardiac ultrasound.

Training includes obtaining and recognising common views such as:

• Parasternal long-axis view

• Parasternal short-axis view

• Apical view

• Subcostal view

Candidates are introduced to the assessment of:

• Gross ventricular function

• Pericardial fluid

• Cardiac activity during resuscitation

• Significant right ventricular abnormalities

• Overall cardiac appearance in an acutely unwell patient

The course emphasises that focused POCUS does not replace formal echocardiography when comprehensive cardiac assessment is required.

Lung Ultrasound

Candidates learn the principles of bedside lung ultrasound and how it may assist in the assessment of acute respiratory symptoms.

Training includes recognition of:

• Lung sliding

• A-lines

• B-lines

• Pleural abnormalities

• Features suggestive of pneumothorax

• Interstitial patterns

• Pleural fluid

• Basic consolidation appearances

Candidates are taught how these findings should be interpreted alongside the patient's history, examination and other investigations.

Ultrasound-Guided Procedures

Where included within the course programme, candidates may also practise the principles of ultrasound-guided procedures such as:

• Peripheral vascular access

• Identification of vessels

• Needle visualisation

• In-plane and out-of-plane techniques

• Maintaining sterile technique

• Understanding procedural safety

Simulation equipment may be used to allow repeated practice before applying these skills clinically.

POCUS in the Acutely Unwell Patient

An important part of the course is understanding how individual ultrasound assessments can be combined during the evaluation of a deteriorating patient.

Candidates are encouraged to think clinically:

• What am I looking for?

• Which probe and view should I use?

• Is the image technically adequate?

• What does the finding mean in this patient?

• Does it change immediate management?

• Do I need formal imaging or specialist review?

This approach helps candidates avoid treating ultrasound findings in isolation.

Hands-On Practical Training

POCUS is a practical skill, and the course places strong emphasis on scanning rather than lecture-based learning alone.

Candidates have opportunities to:

• Handle ultrasound equipment

• Practise probe orientation

• Scan different anatomical areas

• Improve image acquisition

• Receive immediate instructor feedback

• Correct scanning technique

• Repeat difficult views

• Discuss common mistakes and artefacts

• Develop a systematic scanning routine

Small-group practical teaching allows instructors to identify individual difficulties and provide focused guidance.

Ideal for MRCEM and FRCEM Candidates

The course may also be particularly useful for doctors preparing for MRCEM and FRCEM examinations, where understanding the clinical application of emergency ultrasound can form part of broader emergency medicine knowledge and practical competence.

Candidates can develop greater confidence in:

• Explaining indications for POCUS

• Recognising ultrasound images

• Describing relevant findings

• Discussing limitations

• Integrating POCUS into emergency management

• Demonstrating structured clinical reasoning

The course does not reproduce confidential examination material and attendance does not guarantee examination success.

Training for Clinical Practice

The aim of the course is not simply to help candidates recognise images during an examination.

We want participants to develop the foundations required to use POCUS safely within their clinical practice while recognising the importance of:

• Appropriate supervision

• Local governance arrangements

• Maintaining a scan logbook

• Image review

• Competency assessment

• Ongoing clinical practice

• Working within individual scope of competence

Candidates should follow their employer's local ultrasound governance and credentialing requirements before performing or independently reporting POCUS in clinical practice.

Why Train With Kung Medics?

Kung Medics focuses on practical clinical education for doctors working and training within the UK healthcare system.

Candidates benefit from:

• Clinically focused teaching

• Experienced medical instructors

• Extensive hands-on scanning

• Small-group practical sessions

• Modern ultrasound equipment

• Real-time instructor feedback

• Simulation-based learning

• Teaching linked to emergency clinical scenarios

• A supportive learning environment

• Training suitable for beginners and clinicians refreshing existing skills

Our aim is to make ultrasound feel less intimidating and help candidates develop a repeatable, structured approach they can continue practising after the course.

Course Objectives

By the end of the programme, candidates should have a better understanding of how to:

• Select and operate an ultrasound machine appropriately

• Optimise basic ultrasound images

• Recognise important anatomical structures

• Obtain common emergency ultrasound views

• Identify selected important abnormalities

• Understand common artefacts and limitations

• Integrate POCUS into clinical assessment

• Recognise when further imaging or senior review is required

• Continue developing their ultrasound competence through supervised clinical practice

Important Course Information

The Core Emergency Ultrasound Level 1 (POCUS) Course is an educational and practical training programme delivered by Kung Medics.

Completion of the course does not by itself confirm independent clinical competency, specialist accreditation or credentialing to practise ultrasound without supervision.

Individual hospitals, employers, professional bodies and training programmes may have their own requirements regarding supervised scans, logbooks, competency assessments and sign-off.

Candidates remain responsible for ensuring that they practise within their competence and comply with their local clinical governance requirements.

Book Your Core Emergency Ultrasound Level 1 Course

Whether you are completely new to POCUS, preparing for Emergency Medicine training, developing your clinical portfolio or simply want more confidence with bedside ultrasound, this course provides a practical foundation from which to develop your skills.

Book your Core Emergency Ultrasound Level 1 (POCUS) Course with Kung Medics and gain supervised, hands-on experience in the core ultrasound techniques used in acute and emergency care.

Practical ECG Reading for Doctors and Healthcare Professionals by Kung Medics

Build a clear, systematic and confident approach to ECG interpretation with live, interactive teaching from experienced clinicians.

The Kung Medics Live Online ECG Interpretation Course is designed for doctors and healthcare professionals who want to improve their ability to recognise common and important ECG abnormalities, interpret tracings in a structured way and apply their findings to real clinical scenarios.

The course is particularly suitable for clinicians who find ECGs confusing, feel slow when interpreting them, or want a reliable framework they can use in clinical practice and postgraduate examinations.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for:

• Foundation doctors

• Internal Medicine trainees

• Emergency Medicine doctors

• Acute Medicine doctors

• General Practice trainees

• Anaesthetic and Critical Care trainees

• International Medical Graduates

• Doctors preparing for MRCEM or FRCEM examinations

• Candidates preparing for PLAB, UKMLA or other clinical examinations

• Nurses and advanced clinical practitioners who regularly review ECGs

• Clinicians returning to acute practice

• Anyone who wants a more structured and confident approach to ECG interpretation

The course is suitable for both beginners and clinicians who already interpret ECGs but want to improve speed, consistency and confidence.

Why This Course?

Many clinicians recognise individual ECG abnormalities but struggle when faced with a complete tracing under time pressure.

This course focuses on developing a repeatable interpretation method so that candidates know what to look for, in what order, and how to decide which findings are clinically important.

Rather than memorising isolated patterns, candidates learn to interpret ECGs in clinical context.

What You Will Learn

During the course, candidates develop a systematic approach to:

• Confirming ECG quality and calibration

• Assessing heart rate

• Determining cardiac rhythm

• Assessing the cardiac axis

• Measuring PR, QRS and QT intervals

• Identifying conduction abnormalities

• Assessing P waves

• Evaluating QRS morphology

• Recognising ST-segment changes

• Assessing T-wave abnormalities

• Identifying pathological Q waves

• Recognising chamber enlargement

• Differentiating normal variants from pathology

• Prioritising life-threatening ECG abnormalities

• Linking ECG findings to clinical management

A Structured ECG Interpretation Approach

Candidates are taught a consistent framework that can be applied to almost any 12-lead ECG.

The approach includes:

1. Patient and technical details

2. Rate

3. Rhythm

4. Axis

5. Intervals

6. P waves

7. QRS complexes

8. ST segments

9. T waves

10. QT interval

11. Overall interpretation

12. Clinical significance and next steps

The aim is to prevent important abnormalities from being missed while improving interpretation speed.

Rhythm Interpretation

The course covers common and important rhythm abnormalities, including:

• Sinus rhythm

• Sinus bradycardia

• Sinus tachycardia

• Atrial fibrillation

• Atrial flutter

• Supraventricular tachycardia

• Junctional rhythms

• Ventricular tachycardia

• Ventricular fibrillation

• Broad-complex tachycardia

• Bradyarrhythmias

Candidates learn how to approach rhythm interpretation logically rather than relying on pattern recognition alone.

Heart Block and Conduction Abnormalities

Candidates review:

• First-degree AV block

• Second-degree AV block

• Mobitz I

• Mobitz II

• Complete heart block

• Right bundle branch block

• Left bundle branch block

• Bifascicular patterns

• Intraventricular conduction delay

The course also discusses which conduction abnormalities require urgent escalation.

Myocardial Ischaemia and Infarction

A major focus is recognising acute coronary syndromes and important ischaemic patterns.

Candidates practise identifying:

• ST elevation

• ST depression

• T-wave inversion

• Pathological Q waves

• Reciprocal changes

• Inferior myocardial infarction

• Anterior myocardial infarction

• Lateral myocardial infarction

• Posterior myocardial infarction

• Right ventricular involvement

• High-risk ischaemic patterns

Candidates are encouraged to interpret these findings alongside the patient's symptoms, observations and clinical presentation.

Electrolyte and Metabolic Abnormalities

The course includes ECG changes associated with conditions such as:

• Hyperkalaemia

• Hypokalaemia

• Hypercalcaemia

• Hypocalcaemia

• Hypothermia

• Drug effects where clinically relevant

Candidates learn when ECG abnormalities may indicate an immediately life-threatening metabolic disturbance.

Other Important ECG Patterns

Depending on the course programme, teaching may also include:

• Pericarditis

• Left ventricular hypertrophy

• Right ventricular hypertrophy

• Pulmonary embolism patterns

• Pre-excitation

• Long QT

• Short QT

• Brugada-pattern recognition

• Paced rhythms

• Common artefacts and technical errors

The emphasis is on recognising patterns that should prompt further assessment or urgent escalation.

ECGs in the Acutely Unwell Patient

Candidates work through ECGs in clinical scenarios such as:

• Chest pain

• Syncope

• Palpitations

• Breathlessness

• Shock

• Electrolyte disturbance

• Collapse

• Sepsis

• Drug toxicity

• Peri-arrest deterioration

This helps candidates move beyond simply naming the ECG and instead answer:

• What does this ECG show?

• Is it immediately dangerous?

• Does it explain the patient's presentation?

• What should I do next?

• Does the patient need urgent senior or specialist review?

Ideal for MRCEM and FRCEM Candidates

The course is particularly useful for doctors preparing for Emergency Medicine examinations.

Candidates practise:

• Rapid ECG interpretation

• Verbalising findings clearly

• Identifying immediately life-threatening abnormalities

• Explaining relevant management priorities

• Integrating ECG findings into OSCE-style scenarios

• Avoiding common examination errors

The course does not reproduce confidential examination content and attendance does not guarantee examination success.

Live and Interactive Online Teaching

This is a live online course, not a pre-recorded lecture series.

Candidates can:

• Follow ECG interpretation in real time

• Answer questions during teaching

• Work through clinical cases

• Compare their interpretation with the instructor's approach

• Ask questions about difficult tracings

• Discuss common mistakes

• Practise applying the structured framework repeatedly

This interactive format allows candidates to identify weaknesses and correct them during the session.

What You Need to Attend

Candidates require:

• A reliable internet connection

• A computer, laptop or tablet

• Working audio

• Access to the live teaching platform

• A quiet environment where possible

• A notebook or digital device for notes

Joining from a larger screen is recommended because detailed ECG tracings may be difficult to interpret accurately on a small mobile phone display.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, candidates should be better able to:

• Interpret a 12-lead ECG systematically

• Recognise common rhythm abnormalities

• Identify important conduction disturbances

• Recognise acute ischaemic changes

• Identify selected electrolyte abnormalities

• Recognise ECG findings requiring urgent escalation

• Describe ECG findings clearly

• Interpret tracings more quickly and consistently

• Apply ECG findings to clinical scenarios

• Develop a structured approach for further independent practice

Why Train With Kung Medics?

Kung Medics focuses on practical medical education for doctors working and preparing to work within UK clinical practice.

Candidates benefit from:

• Live clinician-led teaching

• A structured interpretation framework

• Extensive ECG examples

• Real clinical scenarios

• Interactive questions

• Examination-focused teaching where relevant

• Opportunity to clarify difficult concepts

• Teaching suitable for international medical graduates

• A supportive learning environment

• Practical emphasis rather than memorisation alone

Our aim is to help candidates move from looking at an ECG and feeling uncertain to approaching each tracing in a calm, systematic and clinically meaningful way.

Important Course Information

The Kung Medics ECG Interpretation Course is an independent educational programme.

Completion of this course:

• Does not constitute a specialist cardiology qualification

• Does not certify independent competence in cardiology

• Does not replace appropriate senior or specialist review

• Does not replace local clinical training or competency requirements

Participants must interpret ECGs within their professional scope of practice and seek appropriate senior support where required.

Book Your Live Online ECG Interpretation Course

If ECGs feel confusing, slow you down during clinical work or make you anxious in examinations, this course provides a structured framework and extensive practice to help build confidence.

Book the Kung Medics Live Online ECG Interpretation Course and develop a clearer, faster and more systematic approach to ECG interpretation.

Practical Central Line Insertion Training by Kung Medics

Develop the practical knowledge, ultrasound skills and procedural confidence required to perform ultrasound-guided central venous access safely and systematically.

The Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Access Course by Kung Medics is a focused, hands-on training programme for doctors and healthcare professionals who want to improve their competence in central venous catheter insertion using real-time ultrasound guidance.

The course combines essential anatomy, ultrasound interpretation, sterile technique, needle guidance and procedural simulation to help candidates build a safe and repeatable approach before performing the procedure in clinical practice.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is particularly suitable for:

• Foundation doctors

• Internal Medicine trainees

• Emergency Medicine doctors

• Anaesthetic trainees

• Intensive Care trainees

• Acute Medicine doctors

• Surgical trainees

• International Medical Graduates entering UK clinical practice

• Doctors preparing for procedural competency assessments

• Clinicians who have observed central line insertion but lack confidence performing it

• Doctors who want more supervised simulation practice before undertaking the procedure on patients

Previous basic ultrasound experience is helpful but not essential.

What You Will Learn

During the course, candidates develop skills in:

• Understanding the indications for central venous access

• Identifying contraindications and precautions

• Selecting an appropriate insertion site

• Understanding relevant vascular anatomy

• Choosing the correct ultrasound probe

• Optimising the ultrasound image

• Differentiating veins from arteries

• Assessing vessel patency and compressibility

• Maintaining strict aseptic technique

• Positioning the patient appropriately

• Using real-time ultrasound guidance

• Needle visualisation

• Guidewire insertion

• Dilatation and catheter placement

• Securing and dressing the line

• Recognising and preventing complications

• Post-procedure checks and documentation

Ultrasound Assessment

Candidates learn how to perform a structured pre-procedure ultrasound assessment.

This includes:

• Identifying the target vein

• Identifying the adjacent artery

• Assessing vessel size

• Assessing vessel depth

• Checking compressibility

• Looking for possible thrombosis

• Identifying surrounding structures

• Choosing the safest puncture site

Candidates practise obtaining both short-axis and long-axis views where appropriate.

Internal Jugular Venous Access

The course places particular emphasis on ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation, including:

• Patient positioning

• Relevant neck anatomy

• Probe positioning

• Identification of the internal jugular vein and carotid artery

• Short-axis and long-axis scanning

• Needle entry planning

• Real-time needle guidance

• Confirmation of venous access

• Safe progression through the Seldinger technique

Other central venous access sites may also be discussed according to the course programme and candidate experience.

Needle Guidance Techniques

Candidates practise the principles of:

• In-plane needle guidance

• Out-of-plane needle guidance

• Maintaining visualisation of the needle tip

• Avoiding accidental arterial puncture

• Recognising loss of needle visualisation

• Correcting poor probe and needle alignment

A key focus is understanding the difference between seeing the needle and reliably identifying the needle tip.

The Seldinger Technique

Candidates work through the central line insertion sequence using simulation equipment.

Training includes:

• Venous puncture

• Guidewire advancement

• Maintaining control of the guidewire

• Skin incision

• Dilator use

• Catheter insertion

• Guidewire removal

• Aspiration and flushing

• Securing the catheter

• Applying an appropriate sterile dressing

The importance of maintaining control of the guidewire throughout the procedure is strongly emphasised.

Sterile Technique and Infection Prevention

Central venous access is an invasive procedure, and infection prevention is a core part of the course.

Candidates review:

• Hand hygiene

• Appropriate personal protective equipment

• Skin antisepsis

• Sterile gown and gloves

• Large sterile barriers

• Sterile ultrasound probe preparation

• Appropriate catheter handling

• Dressing and line care

Complications and Their Prevention

Candidates learn to recognise important complications associated with central venous catheter insertion, including:

• Arterial puncture

• Haematoma

• Pneumothorax

• Haemothorax

• Air embolism

• Cardiac arrhythmias

• Catheter malposition

• Guidewire complications

• Infection

• Thrombosis

• Nerve injury

The course focuses on how careful preparation, ultrasound guidance, appropriate technique and early recognition can reduce procedural risk.

Post-Procedure Management

Candidates are taught the importance of appropriate post-procedure care, including:

• Checking catheter function

• Confirming blood aspiration where appropriate

• Flushing lumens

• Securing the line

• Applying a sterile dressing

• Documenting the procedure

• Recording complications or difficulties

• Confirming catheter position when clinically indicated

• Following local policy regarding imaging and line use

Hands-On Simulation Training

This is a practical course with a strong emphasis on procedural repetition.

Candidates have opportunities to:

• Use ultrasound equipment

• Identify vessels

• Practise probe handling

• Practise needle visualisation

• Insert needles into vascular access models

• Perform guidewire insertion

• Use dilators

• Insert simulated central venous catheters

• Repeat the full procedure

• Receive immediate instructor feedback

The aim is to allow candidates to make and correct common technical errors in a safe simulated environment before undertaking the procedure clinically.

Preparing for Clinical Competency

The course is designed to support procedural development but does not replace workplace supervision or formal competency sign-off.

After the course, candidates should continue their development through:

• Supervised clinical procedures

• Local competency frameworks

• Procedure logbooks

• Direct observation

• Workplace-based assessments

• Ongoing ultrasound practice

Candidates must follow their employer's local policies and work within their individual scope of competence.

Why Train With Kung Medics?

Candidates benefit from:

• Experienced clinical instructors

• Hands-on ultrasound practice

• Central line simulation models

• Repeated procedural practice

• Small-group teaching

• Immediate technique correction

• Realistic procedural scenarios

• Structured step-by-step teaching

• A supportive environment for clinicians who lack confidence

• Training focused on practical UK clinical practice

Our goal is to help candidates move from simply understanding the theory of central venous access to developing a safe, structured and reproducible procedural technique.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, candidates should have a better understanding of how to:

• Identify appropriate indications for central venous access

• Select a suitable access site

• Identify central veins using ultrasound

• Differentiate veins from arteries

• Optimise ultrasound images

• Use real-time ultrasound for needle guidance

• Maintain appropriate aseptic technique

• Perform the Seldinger technique in simulation

• Recognise important complications

• Complete appropriate post-procedure management

• Continue toward supervised clinical competency

Important Course Status

The Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Access Course is an independent practical training programme delivered by Kung Medics.

Completion of this course:

• Does not by itself certify independent procedural competence

• Does not replace supervised clinical training

• Does not constitute employer credentialing

• Does not replace local competency assessment or sign-off

• Does not authorise a candidate to perform central venous access independently where local approval is required

Candidates must practise within their competence and comply with local clinical governance, supervision and credentialing requirements.

Book Your Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Access Course

If you understand the theory of central line insertion but want greater confidence with ultrasound, needle guidance and the Seldinger technique, this course provides focused practical training in a supportive environment.

Book your Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Access Course with Kung Medics and develop the procedural foundations needed to progress toward safe supervised clinical practice.

Practical Pleural Procedure Training by Kung Medics

Develop the ultrasound, anatomical and procedural skills required to perform ultrasound-guided chest drain insertion safely and systematically.

The Ultrasound-Guided Chest Drain and Thoracocentesis Course by Kung Medics is a focused, hands-on training programme for doctors and healthcare professionals who want to improve their confidence in pleural assessment, site selection and chest drain insertion using ultrasound guidance.

The course combines relevant thoracic anatomy, pleural ultrasound, procedural planning, sterile technique and simulation-based chest drain insertion. It is particularly suited to clinicians who understand the theory but want more supervised practical experience before performing the procedure in clinical practice.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is particularly suitable for:

• Emergency Medicine doctors

• Acute Medicine doctors

• Respiratory trainees

• Anaesthetic and Critical Care trainees

• Internal Medicine trainees

• Foundation doctors with appropriate procedural experience

• Surgical trainees

• Advanced clinical practitioners working within an appropriate governance framework

• International Medical Graduates entering UK acute clinical practice

• Doctors preparing for MRCEM or FRCEM examinations

• Clinicians who want more confidence with pleural ultrasound

• Doctors who have observed chest drain insertion but need more structured simulation practice

What You Will Learn

During the course, candidates develop a structured approach to:

• Understanding indications for chest drainage

• Recognising contraindications and precautions

• Assessing the patient before the procedure

• Understanding relevant chest wall and pleural anatomy

• Using ultrasound to identify pleural fluid

• Selecting a safe insertion site

• Recognising diaphragm, lung and abdominal structures

• Understanding the triangle of safety

• Preparing equipment correctly

• Maintaining aseptic technique

• Administering local anaesthesia safely

• Performing guidewire-assisted chest drain insertion

• Securing and connecting the drain

• Recognising complications

• Completing post-procedure monitoring and documentation

Pleural Ultrasound

A major part of the course focuses on using ultrasound before chest drain insertion.

Candidates learn how to:

• Select the appropriate ultrasound probe

• Optimise depth and gain

• Identify the pleural line

• Recognise lung sliding

• Identify pleural fluid

• Estimate the safest accessible fluid pocket

• Identify the diaphragm

• Recognise liver and spleen below the diaphragm

• Identify consolidated or atelectatic lung where relevant

• Avoid inappropriate puncture sites

• Mark or maintain the chosen insertion site appropriately

Ultrasound findings must always be interpreted alongside the clinical picture and other relevant imaging.

The Triangle of Safety

Candidates review the anatomical principles of the triangle of safety and why appropriate site selection matters.

Teaching includes recognition of:

• The anterior border of latissimus dorsi

• The lateral border of pectoralis major

• The horizontal level around the fifth intercostal space

• The apex below the axilla

Candidates also learn why ultrasound assessment may alter the exact site chosen for pleural fluid drainage.

Patient Assessment and Preparation

Before performing the procedure, candidates learn to consider:

• Clinical indication

• Available imaging

• Coagulation status and bleeding risk

• Anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication

• Allergies

• Patient positioning

• Consent

• Monitoring requirements

• Availability of appropriate assistance

• Escalation planning

Equipment Preparation

Candidates work through the equipment required for safe chest drain insertion, including:

• Sterile preparation equipment

• Appropriate PPE

• Ultrasound equipment

• Sterile probe cover and gel

• Local anaesthetic equipment

• Needle and syringe

• Guidewire

• Dilators

• Chest drain

• Connecting tubing

• Underwater seal or appropriate drainage system

• Sutures and securing materials

• Sterile dressing

The importance of checking all equipment before starting the procedure is strongly emphasised.

Local Anaesthesia

Candidates review the principles of safe local anaesthetic use, including:

• Patient-specific dose considerations

• Maximum-dose awareness

• Infiltration of the skin and deeper tissues

• Anaesthetising the periosteal region where appropriate

• Aspiration before injection

• Recognition of local anaesthetic toxicity

• Monitoring the patient throughout the procedure

Drug choice and dose should always follow local policy and individual clinical assessment.

Chest Drain Insertion Technique

Candidates practise a structured guidewire-assisted insertion technique using simulation models.

Training includes:

1. Confirming the indication and site

2. Positioning the patient

3. Performing ultrasound assessment

4. Preparing a sterile field

5. Administering local anaesthetic

6. Introducing the needle safely

7. Confirming entry into the pleural space

8. Passing and controlling the guidewire

9. Making an appropriate skin incision

10. Dilating the tract

11. Advancing the drain

12. Removing the guidewire

13. Connecting the drainage system

14. Securing the drain

15. Applying a sterile dressing

16. Reassessing the patient

Guidewire Safety

Particular emphasis is placed on:

• Maintaining control of the guidewire at all times

• Avoiding excessive guidewire advancement

• Recognising resistance

• Avoiding force during dilatation

• Confirming that the drain advances appropriately

• Checking that the guidewire has been removed at the end of the procedure

Complications

Candidates learn to recognise and reduce the risk of important complications, including:

• Bleeding

• Haemothorax

• Organ injury

• Diaphragmatic injury

• Lung injury

• Infection

• Malposition

• Drain blockage

• Drain dislodgement

• Subcutaneous emphysema

• Re-expansion pulmonary oedema

• Failure to drain the intended collection

The course emphasises early recognition and appropriate escalation if complications occur.

Post-Procedure Management

Candidates learn the importance of:

• Reassessing the patient

• Monitoring observations

• Checking drain function

• Documenting drain output

• Ensuring the drainage system is positioned correctly

• Reviewing appropriate post-procedure imaging where indicated

• Recording the procedure clearly

• Monitoring for bleeding, pain, respiratory deterioration or drain displacement

• Following local protocols for ongoing drain care and removal

Hands-On Simulation Training

This is a highly practical course.

Candidates have opportunities to:

• Use ultrasound machines

• Identify pleural fluid on simulation or training models

• Practise site selection

• Prepare a sterile field

• Practise local anaesthetic technique

• Insert guidewires

• Use dilators

• Insert simulated chest drains

• Secure and connect drains

• Repeat the full procedure

• Receive immediate instructor feedback

• Correct common technical errors

The aim is to allow candidates to develop a safe, reproducible technique in simulation before progressing to supervised clinical procedures.

Preparing for Clinical Competency

Completion of the course supports procedural development but does not replace formal workplace sign-off.

Candidates should continue their training through:

• Supervised clinical chest drain insertions

• Workplace-based assessments

• Procedure logbooks

• Direct observation

• Pleural ultrasound practice

• Local competency frameworks

• Ongoing review with experienced supervisors

Candidates must follow their employer's local pleural procedure policies and work within their individual scope of competence.

Why Train With Kung Medics?

Candidates benefit from:

• Experienced clinical educators

• Hands-on pleural ultrasound training

• Chest drain simulation models

• Structured step-by-step teaching

• Repeated procedural practice

• Small-group instruction

• Immediate technique correction

• Realistic clinical scenarios

• A supportive environment for clinicians who lack confidence

• Teaching focused on practical UK acute-care settings

Our aim is to help candidates understand not only how to insert a chest drain, but how to select the correct patient, identify a safe site and manage the procedure from preparation through to post-procedure care.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, candidates should have a better understanding of how to:

• Identify appropriate indications for chest drainage

• Recognise important contraindications and precautions

• Use ultrasound to assess pleural fluid

• Identify a safe insertion site

• Recognise relevant thoracic anatomy

• Prepare equipment and maintain aseptic technique

• Apply the principles of safe local anaesthesia

• Demonstrate guidewire-assisted chest drain insertion in simulation

• Recognise common complications

• Complete appropriate post-procedure monitoring and documentation

• Continue toward supervised clinical competency

Important Course Status

The Ultrasound-Guided Chest Drain and Thoracocentesis Course is an independent practical training programme delivered by Kung Medics.

Completion of this course:

• Does not by itself certify independent procedural competence

• Does not replace supervised clinical training

• Does not constitute employer credentialing

• Does not replace local competency assessment or sign-off

• Does not authorise independent chest drain insertion where local approval is required

Candidates must practise within their competence and comply with local clinical governance, supervision and credentialing requirements.

Book Your Ultrasound-Guided Chest Drain and Thoracocentesis Course

If you understand the theory of chest drainage but want greater confidence with pleural ultrasound, site selection and guidewire-assisted insertion, this course provides focused practical training in a supportive environment.

Book your Ultrasound-Guided Chest Drain and Thoracocentesis Course with Kung Medics and develop the procedural foundations needed to progress toward safe, supervised clinical practice.

Practical Regional Anaesthesia Training by Kung Medics

Develop the ultrasound, anatomical and procedural skills required to perform an Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block (FIB/FICB) safely and systematically.

The Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block Course by Kung Medics is a focused, hands-on training programme for doctors and healthcare professionals who want greater confidence in using regional anaesthesia for acute pain management, particularly in patients presenting with suspected or confirmed hip and proximal femoral fractures.

Fascia iliaca blocks are widely used in UK Emergency Departments as part of multimodal analgesia for patients with fractured neck of femur, and ultrasound-guided FIB is included within Emergency Medicine point-of-care ultrasound training.

Who Is This Course For?

The course is particularly suitable for:

• Emergency Medicine doctors

• ACCS trainees

• Foundation doctors

• Acute Medicine doctors

• Anaesthetic trainees

• Critical Care doctors

• Orthopaedic and surgical trainees

• Advanced clinical practitioners working within an appropriate governance framework

• International Medical Graduates entering UK acute clinical practice

• Doctors preparing for MRCEM or FRCEM examinations

• Clinicians who understand the theory of FIB but lack confidence performing the procedure

• Healthcare professionals seeking supervised ultrasound and regional anaesthesia practice

The RCEM Emergency Medicine curriculum includes point-of-care ultrasound-guided vascular access and fascia iliaca block among relevant procedural capabilities.

What You Will Learn

During the course, candidates develop a structured approach to:

• Understanding the indications for fascia iliaca block

• Identifying contraindications and precautions

• Performing an appropriate pre-procedure assessment

• Understanding relevant anatomy

• Selecting and setting up the ultrasound probe

• Identifying key structures on ultrasound

• Differentiating muscle, fascia, vessels and nerves

• Selecting an appropriate needle approach

• Maintaining real-time needle-tip visualisation

• Understanding local anaesthetic safety

• Performing the block on simulation models

• Recognising procedural complications

• Assessing block effectiveness

• Monitoring the patient after the procedure

• Documenting the block appropriately

• Recognising when senior or specialist assistance is required

Understanding the Anatomy

Candidates review the anatomy relevant to fascia iliaca blockade, including:

• Fascia iliaca

• Iliacus muscle

• Sartorius

• Femoral nerve

• Femoral artery and vein

• Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve

• Relevant surrounding structures

The aim is to help candidates understand not simply where to place the needle, but why correct deposition of local anaesthetic within the fascial plane is important.

Ultrasound Identification

Candidates practise using ultrasound to identify the relevant anatomy and optimise the image before attempting needle insertion.

Training includes:

• Selecting an appropriate high-frequency linear probe

• Probe orientation

• Adjusting depth and gain

• Recognising the femoral vessels

• Identifying the iliacus muscle and fascia iliaca

• Recognising the femoral nerve

• Planning a safe needle trajectory

• Maintaining awareness of adjacent structures

Needle Guidance

A major part of the course focuses on safe needle control under real-time ultrasound.

Candidates practise:

• In-plane needle insertion

• Maintaining visualisation of the needle

• Identifying the needle tip

• Coordinating probe and needle movement

• Correcting poor needle alignment

• Avoiding advancement when the needle tip cannot be confidently identified

• Confirming appropriate placement beneath the fascia iliaca

• Recognising spread within the intended fascial plane

Local Anaesthetic Safety

Safe regional anaesthesia requires more than technical needle placement.

Candidates review:

• Choice of local anaesthetic according to local protocols

• Maximum-dose considerations

• Patient weight and dose calculations

• Allergy history

• Aspiration before injection where appropriate

• Incremental administration

• Recognition of unexpected resistance or pain

• Recognition of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity

• Immediate escalation and emergency management principles

Specific drug choice, concentration and dose should always follow the clinician's local policy and patient-specific assessment.

Indications and Patient Selection

The course discusses the use of FIB as part of analgesic management for patients with conditions such as:

• Fractured neck of femur

• Proximal femoral fractures

• Selected painful hip injuries

RCEM describes FIB as being used principally for pain relief in patients with fractured neck of femur in UK Emergency Departments.

Candidates are taught that a regional block forms part of a broader analgesic strategy and does not replace appropriate assessment, systemic analgesia where required, investigation or definitive treatment.

Contraindications and Precautions

Candidates learn to consider factors such as:

• Patient refusal or inability to obtain appropriate consent

• Allergy to the proposed local anaesthetic

• Infection at the proposed injection site

• Significant anatomical abnormality

• Previous surgery affecting anatomy

• Anticoagulation or bleeding risk

• Pre-existing neurological abnormalities

• Uncertainty regarding anatomy

• Lack of appropriate monitoring or clinical governance

The decision to perform any regional block should be based on individual clinical assessment and local policy.

Practical Simulation Training

This is a hands-on course with a strong emphasis on repeated procedural practice.

Candidates have opportunities to:

• Operate ultrasound machines

• Identify relevant anatomy

• Practise probe positioning

• Practise needle guidance

• Perform simulated fascia iliaca blocks

• Observe spread within the target plane

• Repeat difficult elements of the technique

• Receive immediate instructor feedback

• Recognise and correct common errors

The aim is to develop a structured, reproducible technique before progressing to supervised clinical practice.

Complications and Safety

Candidates discuss potential complications including:

• Failed or incomplete block

• Vascular puncture

• Haematoma

• Infection

• Nerve injury

• Intravascular injection

• Local anaesthetic systemic toxicity

• Motor weakness

• Falls risk following blockade

• Incorrect local anaesthetic deposition

Regional anaesthesia is subject to clinical governance, consent, documentation and appropriate post-procedure monitoring. RCEM's current regional anaesthesia work also identifies these governance requirements as important aspects of practice.

Post-Block Assessment and Monitoring

Candidates learn the importance of:

• Reassessing pain

• Monitoring physiological observations

• Assessing block effectiveness

• Monitoring for adverse effects

• Maintaining falls precautions where relevant

• Documenting the procedure and medication administered

• Recording pre- and post-procedure neurological findings where appropriate

• Escalating unexpected symptoms promptly

Appropriate post-block monitoring should always follow local policy and the patient's clinical condition.

Preparing for Emergency Medicine Training

This course may be particularly useful for Emergency Medicine trainees developing their POCUS and procedural portfolio.

Candidates can strengthen their understanding of:

• Ultrasound anatomy

• Regional anaesthesia

• Procedural preparation

• Consent and safety

• Ultrasound-guided needle techniques

• Clinical governance

• Complication recognition

• Documentation

It may also support candidates preparing for MRCEM, FRCEM or workplace-based procedural assessments.

Training for Clinical Competency

This course provides education and simulation-based procedural training. It does not by itself establish independent clinical competence.

Following the course, candidates should continue development through:

• Supervised clinical blocks

• Appropriate workplace-based assessments

• Procedure logbooks

• Direct observation

• Local competency pathways

• Review of ultrasound images where required

• Ongoing regional anaesthesia training

RA-UK states that fascia iliaca block practice should sit within appropriate training and clinical governance arrangements, particularly where practitioners are developing competence.

Why Train With Kung Medics?

Candidates benefit from:

• Experienced clinical educators

• Hands-on ultrasound training

• Regional anaesthesia simulation models

• Repeated needle-guidance practice

• Small-group teaching

• Immediate instructor feedback

• Structured step-by-step instruction

• Training linked to Emergency Medicine practice

• A supportive environment for clinicians who feel uncertain about the procedure

Our focus is on helping candidates understand the anatomy, visualise the procedure correctly and develop a safe technique rather than simply memorising a series of steps.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, candidates should have a better understanding of how to:

• Select appropriate patients for FIB

• Recognise important contraindications

• Identify relevant anatomy using ultrasound

• Optimise the ultrasound image

• Plan an appropriate needle trajectory

• Maintain needle-tip visualisation

• Demonstrate a simulated ultrasound-guided FIB

• Apply principles of local anaesthetic safety

• Recognise important complications

• Assess block effectiveness

• Monitor and document the patient appropriately

• Continue toward supervised clinical competency

Important Course Status

The Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block Course is an independent practical training programme delivered by Kung Medics.

Completion of the course:

• Does not certify independent competence

• Does not replace supervised clinical experience

• Does not constitute employer credentialing

• Does not replace local competency assessment or sign-off

• Does not authorise independent regional anaesthesia practice where local approval is required

Candidates must work within their professional scope of practice and comply with their employer's local policies, supervision requirements and regional anaesthesia governance arrangements.

Book Your Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block Course

Whether you are learning FIB for Emergency Medicine training, preparing for postgraduate examinations or simply want more confidence before performing the procedure clinically, this course provides structured and practical ultrasound-guided training.

Book your Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Iliaca Block Course with Kung Medics and develop the foundations needed to progress toward safe, supervised clinical practice.

Practical Procedural Ultrasound Training by Kung Medics

Develop the anatomical, ultrasound and procedural skills required to perform ultrasound-assisted and ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture more confidently, particularly in patients with difficult or poorly palpable anatomical landmarks.

The Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Puncture Course by Kung Medics is a focused, hands-on training programme for doctors and healthcare professionals who want to improve their ability to identify spinal landmarks, estimate depth and plan a safer lumbar puncture using bedside ultrasound.

The course combines relevant anatomy, ultrasound image acquisition, procedural planning, sterile technique and simulation-based lumbar puncture practice.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is particularly suitable for:

• Foundation doctors

• Internal Medicine trainees

• Emergency Medicine doctors

• Acute Medicine doctors

• Anaesthetic trainees

• Critical Care doctors

• Neurology trainees

• Paediatric or other clinicians undertaking lumbar puncture within their scope of practice

• International Medical Graduates entering UK clinical practice

• Clinicians who have difficulty identifying landmarks using palpation alone

• Doctors who want more confidence with technically difficult lumbar punctures

• Candidates preparing for procedural competency assessments

Previous basic lumbar puncture experience is helpful but not essential.

What You Will Learn

During the course, candidates develop a structured approach to:

• Understanding the indications for lumbar puncture

• Recognising contraindications and precautions

• Performing appropriate pre-procedure assessment

• Understanding lumbar spinal anatomy

• Selecting and optimising the ultrasound probe

• Identifying spinal landmarks using ultrasound

• Locating the midline

• Identifying intervertebral spaces

• Estimating needle insertion depth

• Selecting an appropriate puncture site

• Planning needle trajectory

• Maintaining aseptic technique

• Performing lumbar puncture on simulation models

• Measuring opening pressure where appropriate

• Collecting cerebrospinal fluid correctly

• Recognising complications

• Providing appropriate post-procedure care

Relevant Spinal Anatomy

Candidates review the anatomy required for safe lumbar puncture, including:

• Lumbar vertebrae

• Spinous processes

• Laminae

• Interspinous spaces

• Ligamentum flavum

• Epidural space

• Dura

• Thecal sac

• Relevant nerve structures

The course aims to improve three-dimensional understanding of the lumbar spine rather than relying solely on surface landmarks.

Ultrasound Assessment

Candidates learn how bedside ultrasound can assist lumbar puncture by helping to identify:

• The spinal midline

• Spinous processes

• Intervertebral spaces

• Suitable needle-entry points

• Depth from skin to the relevant deeper structures

• Abnormal or difficult anatomy

Ultrasound may be particularly useful in patients where landmarks are difficult to palpate.

Ultrasound Techniques

Candidates practise commonly used scanning approaches, including:

• Transverse scanning

• Longitudinal or paramedian scanning

• Identification of the sacrum as an anatomical reference

• Counting lumbar interspaces

• Marking an appropriate puncture level

• Estimating the required needle depth

• Optimising image quality in technically difficult patients

The course explains the distinction between ultrasound-assisted lumbar puncture, where ultrasound is used to identify and mark the site before needle insertion, and real-time ultrasound-guided approaches where clinically appropriate.

Patient Positioning

Candidates review positioning options such as:

• Lateral decubitus positioning

• Sitting positioning

• Optimising spinal flexion

• Maintaining patient comfort

• Avoiding excessive or unsafe positioning

The effect of positioning on both ultrasound imaging and lumbar puncture technique is discussed.

Preparing for the Procedure

Candidates learn a structured preparation process including:

• Confirming the indication

• Reviewing relevant investigations

• Assessing bleeding risk and anticoagulation

• Checking for contraindications

• Obtaining appropriate consent

• Preparing monitoring where required

• Selecting appropriate equipment

• Choosing the needle type and length

• Performing an ultrasound assessment before starting

• Ensuring appropriate assistance is available

Lumbar Puncture Technique

Candidates practise a systematic lumbar puncture technique using procedural simulators.

Training includes:

1. Confirming the indication and patient identity

2. Positioning the patient

3. Performing ultrasound assessment

4. Marking or selecting the insertion site

5. Preparing a sterile field

6. Administering local anaesthetic

7. Introducing the spinal needle safely

8. Recognising tissue resistance and loss of resistance appropriately

9. Confirming cerebrospinal fluid return

10. Measuring opening pressure where indicated

11. Collecting samples in the correct sequence

12. Removing the needle safely

13. Applying a dressing

14. Labelling and handling samples correctly

15. Documenting the procedure

Cerebrospinal Fluid Sampling

Candidates review practical considerations including:

• Appropriate specimen tubes

• Sample order

• Avoiding contamination

• Correct labelling

• Sending samples promptly

• Recording opening pressure when clinically required

• Communicating with the laboratory where urgent testing is needed

Difficult Lumbar Puncture

The course is particularly useful for patients with:

• Obesity

• Poorly palpable landmarks

• Previous spinal procedures

• Limited spinal mobility

• Difficult positioning

• Multiple previous failed attempts

• Anatomical uncertainty

Candidates learn when ultrasound may improve procedural planning and when senior, anaesthetic, radiology or other specialist support may be appropriate.

Complications and Safety

Candidates learn to recognise and reduce the risk of complications such as:

• Post-dural puncture headache

• Back discomfort

• Traumatic tap

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Nerve irritation

• Failed procedure

• Persistent CSF leak

• Rare neurological complications

The course also emphasises appropriate patient selection and recognising when lumbar puncture should be deferred or escalated.

Post-Procedure Management

Candidates learn the importance of:

• Reassessing the patient

• Monitoring for complications

• Providing appropriate patient advice

• Ensuring samples are processed correctly

• Documenting the procedure and findings

• Escalating unexpected symptoms or results appropriately

Hands-On Simulation Training

This is a practical course with a strong emphasis on repeated procedural practice.

Candidates have opportunities to:

• Use ultrasound machines

• Identify spinal anatomy

• Practise probe positioning

• Mark lumbar puncture sites

• Estimate needle depth

• Perform lumbar puncture on simulation models

• Practise sample collection

• Troubleshoot unsuccessful attempts

• Repeat difficult procedural steps

• Receive immediate instructor feedback

The aim is to build a reproducible technique in a safe simulated environment before progressing to supervised clinical practice.

Preparing for Clinical Competency

Completion of the course supports procedural development but does not replace formal workplace competency assessment.

Candidates should continue their training through:

• Supervised clinical lumbar punctures

• Procedure logbooks

• Direct observation

• Workplace-based assessments

• Local competency frameworks

• Ongoing ultrasound practice

Candidates must follow local policies and work within their individual professional scope of practice.

Why Train With Kung Medics?

Candidates benefit from:

• Experienced clinical instructors

• Hands-on procedural ultrasound teaching

• Lumbar puncture simulation models

• Repeated practical attempts

• Small-group instruction

• Immediate technique correction

• Structured step-by-step teaching

• A supportive environment for clinicians lacking confidence

• Training focused on real clinical application

Our aim is to help candidates move from relying solely on surface landmarks to developing a more systematic ultrasound-assisted approach to difficult lumbar puncture.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, candidates should have a better understanding of how to:

• Select appropriate patients for lumbar puncture

• Recognise contraindications and precautions

• Identify relevant spinal anatomy using ultrasound

• Locate the midline and suitable intervertebral spaces

• Estimate needle depth

• Plan an appropriate puncture site

• Demonstrate lumbar puncture in simulation

• Collect and handle CSF samples correctly

• Recognise important complications

• Document and monitor the patient appropriately

• Continue toward supervised clinical competency

Important Course Status

The Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Puncture Course is an independent practical training programme delivered by Kung Medics.

Completion of this course:

• Does not by itself certify independent procedural competence

• Does not replace supervised clinical training

• Does not constitute employer credentialing

• Does not replace local competency assessment or sign-off

• Does not authorise independent lumbar puncture where local approval is required

Candidates must practise within their competence and comply with local clinical governance, supervision and credentialing requirements.

Book Your Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Puncture Course

If you find lumbar puncture challenging in patients with difficult landmarks or want more confidence using ultrasound to plan the procedure, this course provides focused, practical training in a supportive environment.

Book your Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Puncture Course with Kung Medics and develop the procedural foundations needed to progress toward safe, supervised clinical practice.

Practical Vascular Access Training by Kung Medics

Develop the practical skills and confidence required to use ultrasound for peripheral intravenous cannulation, particularly in patients with difficult vascular access.

The Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation Course by Kung Medics is a focused, hands-on training programme designed for doctors and healthcare professionals who want to improve their ability to identify suitable peripheral veins, visualise the needle and successfully obtain intravenous access using real-time ultrasound guidance.

The course is especially useful for clinicians who are comfortable with standard cannulation but find difficult-access patients challenging.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for:

• Foundation doctors

• Emergency Medicine doctors

• Internal Medicine trainees

• Acute Medicine doctors

• Anaesthetic and Critical Care trainees

• Surgical trainees

• Advanced clinical practitioners

• Physician associates

• Nurses working in acute or emergency settings

• International Medical Graduates entering UK clinical practice

• Clinicians who frequently encounter difficult intravenous access

• Healthcare professionals who want supervised ultrasound-guided vascular access practice

Basic cannulation experience is recommended.

What You Will Learn

During the course, candidates develop a structured approach to:

• Understanding indications for ultrasound-guided cannulation

• Recognising when ultrasound may improve vascular access success

• Selecting an appropriate ultrasound probe

• Optimising the ultrasound image

• Identifying veins and arteries

• Assessing vessel depth, diameter and patency

• Selecting an appropriate cannula

• Planning the puncture site

• Maintaining aseptic technique

• Performing real-time ultrasound-guided needle insertion

• Visualising the needle tip

• Advancing the cannula safely

• Troubleshooting unsuccessful attempts

• Recognising common complications

• Documenting the procedure appropriately

Ultrasound Assessment of Peripheral Veins

Candidates learn how to scan the upper limb systematically and identify suitable vessels for cannulation.

Training includes:

• Probe orientation

• Short-axis vessel assessment

• Long-axis vessel assessment

• Differentiating veins from arteries

• Assessing compressibility

• Identifying vessel depth

• Assessing vessel size

• Recognising surrounding structures

• Selecting the safest and most practical target vessel

The course also discusses how vessel depth influences cannula length and procedural success.

Needle Visualisation

A major focus of the course is learning how to maintain awareness of the needle tip during ultrasound-guided insertion.

Candidates practise:

• Out-of-plane needle guidance

• In-plane needle guidance

• Coordinating probe and needle movement

• Recognising the needle tip

• Avoiding advancement when the tip is not visualised

• Correcting poor alignment

• Following the needle toward the vessel

• Confirming entry into the lumen

Understanding the difference between visualising part of the needle and confidently identifying the needle tip is strongly emphasised.

Cannula Selection

Candidates are introduced to practical considerations when choosing an intravenous cannula, including:

• Vessel diameter

• Vessel depth

• Cannula length

• Intended clinical use

• Required flow rates

• Expected duration of access

• Patient comfort

• Risk of dislodgement or infiltration

Deeper vessels may require longer cannulas to improve stability and reduce early failure.

Practical Cannulation Technique

Candidates work through a structured ultrasound-guided cannulation sequence:

1. Assess the patient and indication

2. Select an appropriate vein

3. Prepare equipment

4. Apply aseptic technique

5. Position the ultrasound probe

6. Identify the vessel

7. Insert and visualise the needle

8. Confirm entry into the vein

9. Advance the cannula

10. Confirm patency

11. Flush and secure the line

12. Document the procedure

Difficult Intravenous Access

The course is particularly relevant when peripheral access is difficult because of:

• Obesity

• Chronic illness

• Previous chemotherapy

• Intravenous drug use

• Multiple previous cannulation attempts

• Poorly visible or palpable veins

• Oedema

• Dehydration

• Long-term hospitalisation

• Chronic vascular access problems

Candidates learn when continuing blind attempts may be less appropriate than moving to an ultrasound-guided approach.

Infection Prevention and Safety

Candidates review:

• Hand hygiene

• Appropriate PPE

• Skin preparation

• Cleaning ultrasound equipment

• Probe covers where appropriate

• Maintaining a clean working field

• Safe sharps disposal

• Correct dressing and securement

• Avoiding unnecessary repeated punctures

Complications

Training includes recognition and prevention of potential complications such as:

• Arterial puncture

• Haematoma

• Extravasation

• Infiltration

• Nerve irritation or injury

• Infection

• Thrombophlebitis

• Failed cannulation

• Cannula dislodgement

• Early line failure

Candidates are encouraged to recognise when an attempt should be stopped and when more experienced assistance is required.

Hands-On Practical Training

This course is highly practical.

Candidates have opportunities to:

• Use ultrasound machines

• Practise probe orientation

• Identify simulated vessels

• Practise short-axis and long-axis views

• Perform needle-guidance exercises

• Cannulate vascular access models

• Repeat difficult techniques

• Receive immediate instructor feedback

• Correct common errors

• Develop hand-eye coordination

The emphasis is on repeated, supervised practice rather than observation alone.

Why Learn Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation?

Ultrasound-guided peripheral access can be particularly valuable in patients who would otherwise require multiple unsuccessful attempts.

Developing this skill may help clinicians:

• Reduce repeated cannulation attempts

• Improve confidence with difficult access

• Improve patient experience

• Escalate vascular access more appropriately

• Avoid unnecessary central venous access in selected patients

• Develop broader POCUS and procedural skills

Preparing for Clinical Competency

This course provides simulation-based education and practical skill development.

Candidates should continue their training through:

• Supervised clinical cannulations

• Workplace-based competency assessments

• Procedure logbooks

• Direct observation

• Local vascular access policies

• Ongoing ultrasound practice

Candidates must work within their professional scope and local governance arrangements.

Why Train With Kung Medics?

Candidates benefit from:

• Practical ultrasound-focused teaching

• Experienced clinical instructors

• Vascular access simulation models

• Repeated hands-on practice

• Small-group teaching

• Immediate feedback

• Structured step-by-step instruction

• Training suitable for clinicians lacking confidence

• A supportive learning environment

• Teaching focused on real clinical application

Our aim is to help candidates develop a simple, reproducible technique that they can continue refining under appropriate clinical supervision.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, candidates should have a better understanding of how to:

• Identify suitable peripheral veins using ultrasound

• Differentiate veins from arteries

• Optimise ultrasound images

• Select an appropriate vessel and cannula

• Use in-plane and out-of-plane techniques

• Maintain awareness of the needle tip

• Cannulate a simulated vessel using real-time ultrasound

• Recognise common procedural complications

• Troubleshoot unsuccessful attempts

• Continue toward supervised clinical competency

Important Course Status

The Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Cannulation Course is an independent practical training programme delivered by Kung Medics.

Completion of this course:

• Does not by itself certify independent clinical competence

• Does not replace workplace supervision

• Does not replace employer competency assessment

• Does not authorise independent practice where local sign-off is required

Candidates must follow local policies and practise within their individual scope of competence.

Book Your Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation Course

If difficult intravenous access makes you hesitant or you want to develop greater confidence with bedside ultrasound, this course provides focused practical training in a supportive environment.

Book your Ultrasound-Guided Cannulation Course with Kung Medics and develop the skills needed to progress toward safe, effective ultrasound-guided peripheral vascular access.