Background
Community acquired pneumonia is the most common cause of death in children, accounting for 15% of deaths in children younger than 5 years (1). Ultrasound is a safe and effective tool to assess the paediatric chest in the presence of a suspected pneumonia. Assessment for underlying lung consolidation as well as the complexity of any associated parapneumonic effusion can effectively guide the most appropriate management of typically very unwell paediatric patients.

Method
This presentation considers the ultrasound assessment of the paediatric chest in the assessment of a child with pneumonia. The important anatomy to assess will be highlighted and the ultrasound scanning technique to facilitate thorough investigation will be described. Particular attention will be given to the pathological ultrasound changes of the underlying lung and pleural cavity.

Discussion
This presentation will aim to provide a structure for sonographic assessment of the chest as well as provide a framework for the documenting of ultrasound findings pertaining to lung consolidation as well the parapneumonic effusion and empyema. A few of the most common differentials and sonographic pitfalls to be aware of will also be highlighted.

Conclusion
Performing a thorough assessment of the paediatric chest in the setting of an underlying pneumonia requires a good understanding of the anatomy as well as the typical pathological changes of the lung and pleural cavity to be seen on ultrasound.

References
1.Messinger AI, Kupfer O, Hurst A, Parker S. Management of Pediatric Community-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia. Pediatr Rev. 2017 Sep;38(9):394-409. doi: 10.1542/pir.2016-0183. PMID: 28864731.

Ultrasound was first used to image pleural effusions in 1967. Since then there have been many exciting developments in the use of ultrasound to assess lungs. This talk will look at the key concepts of ultrasound lung artefacts, scan techniques and diagnostic features of various pleural and lung pathologies in adults. Current literature and controversies will also be discussed.

Introduction: Recently, the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine has advocated for trainees to attain credentials in specific point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) applications. Emergency Departments (ED) nationwide, face challenges such as bed pressures, increased patient volumes, long wait times and extended lengths of stay. To address these issues, our hospital trialled a full-time sonographer educator in the emergency department (SEED) for four months.
Method: During the data collection period with the SEED in position, 274 ultrasound scans were performed. This allowed the radiology department to focus on inpatient scans and outpatient backlogs. During the SEED trial, the sonographer assisted the ED staff in teaching and credentialing multiple medical and nursing staff in various POCUS applications.
Results: A patient satisfaction survey conducted during the SEED trial showed that 97% of parents were very satisfied with the wait time for ultrasounds and preferred to have their scans performed in the ED. The median wait time for same-day ultrasound scans dropped by 85% (from 77 minutes to 11 minutes), leading to a 21% decrease in median patient length of stay from 5 hours to 3.93 hours, meeting the National Emergency Access Target (NEAT) target.
Conclusion: The SEED proved to be very successful with lots of advantages and no negatives.
Take home message: This is an ideal position for someone who enjoys acute work and teaching.

Introduction:The rapid growth of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) into various healthcare settings has led to a sense of unease in radiology, as many new users—some without formal ultrasound training—integrate the technology into their practices. While this can sometimes lead to frustration, it’s important to recognise that these users are motivated by a desire to improve patient care. Over time, significant skill and expertise have developed in the application of POCUS, and it is rapidly becoming a distinct stream of ultrasound in its own right. This drive for innovation creates opportunities for growth. It is vital that the increasing use of ultrasound benefits both POCUS users and enhances the practice of sonographers and radiologists. The aim of this presentation is not to debate the competency or scope of non-sonographer users but to explore the new questions being asked by them across various specialties, and how these insights can enhance our own practice and improve patient outcomes.
Discussion: This presentation will outline current innovations and applications in POCUS usage in emergency medicine, neuraxial ultrasound, pain medicine, and gastric ultrasound. By exploring these inquiries, we can identify opportunities to enhance our own practice, adapt our techniques, and integrate fresh perspectives to improve patient care and outcomes, and enhance our own practice of sonography.
Take home message:By learning from POCUS, we gain valuable insights into new applications of ultrasound. Encouraging cross-disciplinary information flow will shape ultrasound’s future, enhance patient outcomes, and foster innovation in healthcare.

The high diagnostic sonographic ability for solid organs and bowel in the adult abdomen has been well established. The acute abdomen is a medical emergency in which there is a sudden and severe pain with accompanying signs and symptoms that focus on abdominal involvement. This can represent a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from self-limiting to surgical emergency. In this presentation we will discuss the common acute abdominal presentations within a tertiary hospital setting and review the ultrasound appearances.

This talk will include an overview of the sonographic assessment of the paediatric acute abdomen according to age. Techniques and pertinent findings in acute appendicitis, intussusception, mesenteric adenitis, acute pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, abdominal trauma, and acute gynaecological pathologies will be covered.

By the end of the talk, the attendee will be able to:
1. Use a structured approach in searching for the cause of a surgical abdomen in a child, according to age
2. Understand the indications and limitations of ultrasound in the acute paediatric abdomen
3. Use objective parameters to describe the severity of disease in acute appendicitis, intussusception and inflammatory bowel disease