Imaging
Imaging
Medical imaging capability is key to providing a medical response in a disaster situation. AUSMAT has general X-ray capabilities to assist clinicians in their decision making, that can be deployed with the team and are provided by AUSMAT radiographers. Handheld ultrasounds are available for qualified clinicians to assist in bedside scanning for trauma patients.
The medical imaging cache
The cache contains a fully portable digital X-ray machine with instantaneous digital imaging of a comparable standard to any hospital in the world. The image capture is provided by Shimadzu, a common imaging system in Australia and the Pacific, while the X-ray generation is Min X-ray commonly used by US and Australian defence departments in their field hospitals.
On deployment, the AUSMAT radiographer is responsible for the X-ray service to the field hospital or remote clinic.
Technical areas of oversight include:
Radiographs
Radiographs are viewed by the requesting doctors on the imaging console. If suitable, they are then uploaded to the local archive in the health district, or given to patients on CD if they require further medical care in another health facility to reduce repeat imaging.
Radiation safety
It is the responsibility of the radiographer
- To work with the team to find a safe workable location to operate the x-ray machine.
- To educate medical staff on the safety requirements of imaging in a field hospital.
- To liaise with team leaders and logistics personnel to access a reliable power supply or generator.
Training and development of local staff
A large part of AUSMAT deployments is working in conjunction with existing hospital facilities. The AUSMAT radiographer has a role in helping to upskill and mentor staff in current practices and procedures, in order to add further value to the deployment after we have returned to Australia.
