POCUS training in the UK: what emergency doctors need

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is part of everyday emergency medicine in the UK. This guide explains what POCUS training the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) curriculum expects, how competence is assessed and where a hands-on course fits.

Information comes from RCEM's PoCUS appendix to the 2021 emergency medicine curriculum. Read the RCEM PoCUS curriculum appendix for the full detail.

The core POCUS applications

The RCEM 2021 curriculum lists six core applications.

Diagnostic

• Abdominal aorta
• eFAST, the focused assessment for free fluid
• Echo in life support and shock assessment
• Pleural ultrasound

Procedural

• Vascular access, central and peripheral
• Fascia iliaca compartment block

When each application is learned

Vascular access and fascia iliaca block start in core training. The diagnostic applications follow in intermediate training, and higher training consolidates all of them, including shock assessment.

How competence is assessed

Competence is assessed mainly through Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS), supported by a logbook and e-learning. The curriculum gives indicative scan numbers, for example 25 for abdominal aorta and eFAST, 10 for fascia iliaca block and 5 for vascular access. These numbers are guidance, not a fixed requirement.

Where a course fits

A course gives you supervised scanning time and teaching, and it starts your logbook. It does not replace supervised scanning and sign-off in your own department.

Upcoming ultrasound course dates in Manchester

Ultrasound courses at Kung Medics

Start with the 1-day Core Emergency Ultrasound (Level 1) course in Manchester, which carries 6 CPD points accredited by The CPD Group. Then add the guided procedures, such as central venous access, peripheral cannulation and the fascia iliaca block. Compare dates and prices on our ultrasound courses page.

See course dates and book