Table 2.

Comparing Three Approaches to Paramedic Prehospital Tele-Ultrasound

Category	Pros	Cons
A paramedic attaches a special tele-echography robot that is remotely controlled by a physician who conducts the exam	• Frees paramedic to provide additional medical care while physician performs scan • Portable robotic system for tele-ultrasound, compatible with body motions	• Difficult to replicate in resource-limited settings • Complexity and cost of equipment • Time-consuming • Not as practical for patients with larger body sizes • No data on usefulness of method for female patients • Remote robot operator not always available immediately
A paramedic performs the scan and is “tele-mentored” in real-time by an ultrasound expert in another location	• Less training required • Lower cost, uses increasingly more accessible technology (laptop, camera, internet) • Potentially more useful in rural and resource-limited settings	• Time-intensive, relatively unsafe • Remote image receiver and mentor not always available immediately • Requires strong verbal communication between medic and remote expert
A paramedic performs the scan which is transmitted in real-time to a receiving ultrasound expert for immediate interpretation	• Safest option, might take less time • Less technological equipment required, more space available in the ambulance	• Moderate training required • Remote image receiver and interpreter not always available immediately