Basic ultrasound skills should be a core component of training in the acute medicine curriculum

6.30 pm Friday, and you are doing the afternoon intake round. A 33-year-old African woman presents with 2 months malaise, cough and dyspnoea. Her CXR shows an enlarged globular heart. HIV and TB are your first thoughts, but do you need to call in the cardiologist?

11 am Saturday on the Acute Medical Unit (AMU). A 35 year old man has been seen earlier this morning following a collapse, after being assaulted 2 days previously; the diagnosis is unclear. You spot him looking pale and tachycardic. Further examination shows bruising in the flanks. Is he bleeding internally?