Editor,—We were interested to read the “for debate” articles on ultrasound performed by accident and emergency (A&E) physicians. There seemed to be more support from the radiologists than from the A&E authors for this potential service development.^{1, 2}

As advocates of beside emergency ultrasound, we suggest the case for or against ultrasound examinations by A&E staff should take both a hospital and an A&E perspective. The primary step in any evaluation is to show an investigation such as ultrasound can be performed safely and appropriately in our departments. Once this had been done, studies can be conducted to determine its contribution to clinical practice.

A&E indications for focused ultrasound include: free abdominal fluid following blunt trauma, cardiac tamponade, confirmation of intrauterine …