What are TFAST and AFAST?

TFAST (Thoracic FAST) and AFAST (Abdominal FAST) are rapid point-of-care ultrasound protocols used to detect free fluid, pneumothorax, and cardiac tamponade in emergency cases.

Is this course suitable for vets with no prior ultrasound experience?

Yes. The course is designed to get you scanning confidently in emergency situations regardless of prior ultrasound experience.

Where is the training delivered?

Training is delivered directly in your clinic anywhere in the UK, using your own ultrasound machine.

An ultrasound image of a heart with pericardial effusion in a dog

Emergency Ultrasound CPD Training

Rapid diagnostics when every second counts.
Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) combined with Emergency Ultrasound equips you to scan the thorax and abdomen in urgent situations, recognise common emergencies, and guide diagnosis and therapy. FAST protocols and case‑based practice ensure you leave ready to apply skills immediately.

Vets and Nurses during a TFAST and AFAST CPD training course applying Protocols for Emergency Cases on a patient

TFAST and AFAST Protocols for Emergency Cases

TFAST (thoracic FAST) and AFAST (abdominal FAST) are quick, standardised scans you can perform in minutes on a collapsed, dyspnoeic or trauma patient. You'll learn the probe position for each site, how free fluid, pneumothorax and pericardial effusion look on your own machine, and how to turn those findings into immediate decisions, from thoracocentesis or abdominocentesis to referral.

You’ll cover:

FAST abdominal and thoracic protocols
Recognition of free fluid, pneumothorax, and cardiac tamponade
Integration of ultrasound into emergency workflows
Hands‑on practice with real case scenarios

Emergency Ultrasound

Course format:

Delivered in your clinic, using your own equipment. Sessions are practical, flexible in duration, and focused on real emergency scenarios.

Support & CPD:

You'll receive a CPD certificate and practical notes. For follow‑up guidance, you get unlimited access to your Members Area (no subscription) where you can submit images or clips directly to your trainer for personalised feedback on your FAST technique—probe positioning, view acquisition, and protocol application on your own machine.

What vets say about our emergency ultrasound training

“Very useful as a first experience or refresher. It was extremely useful to be able go through the basics, practice, ask questions and get training on how to apply this knowledge to every day and emergency medicine”
Animates

“Thanks so much for the practical day with us, it was so helpful to be talked through how to use our new machine. I will be much more confident in doing basic and emergency heart checks. I really enjoyed the session and will recommend you to others.”
Temple End Vets

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