Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) has obtained five Butterfly IQ portable ultrasound devices that will allow paramedics to assess internal injuries in patients, saving both time and lives. With the addition of this equipment, the department becomes the only Emergency Medical Service (EMS) provider to offer this advanced care in the region and one of only a few departments utilizing this technology in the State of Florida and throughout the nation.
The ultrasound device allows Critical Care paramedics to quickly identify internal injuries in a patient’s chest and abdomen while in the field. They can also be used to obtain IV access in patients who have difficult vascular systems, improving the opportunity to administer fluids and medications quickly in patients with serious medical conditions and/or injuries.
Each unit costs $2400 and was purchased using funds received through the Healthcare Preparedness Program grant from the North Central Florida Healthcare Coalition. The purchase was one of several supported by the Coalition intended to support preparedness efforts that improve the resiliency of healthcare organizations and the overall healthcare system of North Central Florida region.