New internal imaging system in use by Sarasota County EMS

The Sarasota County Fire Department has employed a new life-saving tool, placing into service handheld point-of-care ultrasound devices. The technology uses probes connected to a tablet or smartphone to produce images that will further guide paramedics in caring for their patients.

Called the Butterfly iQ3 ultrasound system, it allows paramedics to conduct live telemedicine consults with the department’s EMS medical directors who can monitor the patient and ultrasound images in real time. The technology aligns the Sarasota County Fire Department with cutting-edge emergency medical practices, increasing survival rates in critical situations, according to a news release.

Paramedics underwent specialized training to learn how to conduct exams to help determine if a patient may have a collapsed lung, heart injury or is collecting blood in the abdomen because of traumatic injuries. 

Ultrasound machines are strategically carried in SCFD's EMS captains’ vehicles in north, central and south county. 

The ultrasounds, which were purchased with funds from a state of Florida grant, also complement SCFD's whole blood program that has been deployed since February 2025.