
Anaesthetics
5 days
Basic Echo Course
ASUM, ACEM, ACRRM, RACGP, ANZCA, CICM
Course highlights
- Cardiac anatomy and physiology.
- Sonographic planes and terminology.
- 2D imaging, M-mode, and Doppler.
- Wall motion and valvular assessment.
- Standard echocardiographic protocols.
- Hands-on practice with real-world cases.
Course Dates
Description
This intensive basic echo course is designed for healthcare professionals starting their journey in cardiac imaging. Over five hands-on days, participants will gain a thorough understanding of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and sonographic principles, enabling them to perform detailed echocardiographic assessments with confidence.
The course covers 2D imaging, M-mode, tissue analysis, and Doppler techniques, providing a foundation for evaluating heart function, chamber sizes, and valvular function. Clinical case studies and practical scanning sessions ensure participants can directly apply their knowledge in real-world settings. By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills needed to confidently perform and interpret basic echocardiograms.
What you’ll learn
- Identify and interpret the sonographic appearances of cardiac anatomy and physiology.
- Perform echocardiographic measurements using 2D imaging, M-mode, and Doppler.
- Assess heart chamber sizes, wall motion, and valvular function.
- Develop an understanding of cardiac haemodynamic and the principles of Doppler physics.
- Build confidence in applying basic echocardiography techniques to common clinical scenarios.
Real-world applications
- Diagnose and monitor common cardiac pathologies using ultrasound.
- Support clinical decision-making in emergency and critical care settings.
- Enhance patient care with accurate cardiac imaging and interpretation.
Who should attend?
- Anaesthetist
- Cardio-thoracic Surgeon
- Cardiologist
- Emergency Physician
- General Physician
- General Practitioner
- Geriatrician
- ICU Registrar
- Junior House Officer
- Palliative Medicine Physician
- Paramedic
- Renal Physician
- Retrieval Medicine Physician
- Rural Generalist
- Senior House Officer
- Sonographer
Objectives
By completing this basic echo course, participants will:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of cardiac anatomy, physiology, and sonographic appearances.
- Identify and interpret the haemodynamic of the heart, including the relationship to the cardiac cycle and ECG.
- Perform routine echocardiographic measurements using 2D imaging, M-mode, and Doppler techniques.
- Assess normal and pathological chamber sizes, wall thickness, and valvular function with both qualitative and quantitative methods.
- Understand the physics and principles of Colour and Doppler ultrasound and their clinical applications.
- Recognise common cardiac pathologies through ultrasound examination.
- Gain extensive, tutor-assisted hands-on echocardiographic scanning experience to address specific clinical challenges.
Prerequisites
This course assumes a basic understanding of:
- The physics of ultrasound and Doppler principles.
- The cardiac cycle and its relationship to the ECG.
The prior ultrasound experience assumed for this course is highlighted below.
None/Minimal | Don’t use ultrasound |
Limited | Use ultrasound weekly/monthly |
Moderate/Experienced | Use ultrasound daily/weekly |
Accreditation
ASUM
ASUM accredited training program. CCPU units included in the course:
- Focused Echocardiography in Life Support (FELS)
- Rapid Cardiac Echocardiography (RCE protocol)
ACEM
Approved for Educational Activities 37.75 hours.
ACRRM
This course is approved for 36 total activity hours. PDP units: 3 Performance Review, 32 Educational Activity. Grant eligibility: Emergency Medicine, Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, Surgery.
RACGP
CPD Approved Activity under RACGP 2023-25 CPD program. Approved for Educational Activities 12 hours, Reviewing Performance 21.5 hours, specific requirements diagnostic radiology, 5 days Anaesthetics, Obstetrics, Surgery and 3 days Emergency Medicine training grants. Provider Number 214288, Activity ID 433853.
ANZCA
Participants in the ANZCA and FPM CPD program may claim this this course under the Knowledge and Skills activity short format learning at 2 credits per hour.
CICM
Lectures – Category 2A, points per hour 1;
Demonstrations – Category 2B, points per hour 2;
Skills – Category 3B, points per hour 3.

HOURS
Theoretical | 17.5 |
Practical | 15.25 |
Total | 32.75 |


CATERING
Morning tea, a light lunch and refreshments are provided each day.