Imaging utilization in the emergency setting has been steadily increasing over the past several decades. Data shows this is due to both an increase in the number of patients seen in emergency centers and also an increase in the average number of imaging examinations obtained on a per patient basis. Using a multisystem approach, participants will improve their interpretive skills in the broad spectrum of imaging case studies acquired in an emergency department environment. The value for developing or improving a disaster preparedness and response plan for radiology departments and radiology practices will also be discussed.    

The target audience is radiologists at all training levels that are involved in clinical coverage of emergency department imaging.

After completing the material in this article, the learner should be able to:

1. Recognize the importance and implications of certain imaging findings, across various body systems.
2. Outline previously learned material crucial to making correct emergent imaging diagnoses.
3. Identify and communicate life-threatening diagnoses in a timely fashion.
4. Adopt or improve a radiology practice or department disaster preparedness and response plan, also known as an emergency operations plan (EOP).