Preparing a Patient for Transport
To prepare your patient for critical care ground or air medical transport - follow these guidelines:
Patient Transport Checklist
ABC
-Airway/cervical spine precautions
-Breathing, liberal use of endotracheal tube if:
-Glasgow Coma Scale <9
-Unable to protect airway
Cardiac Monitor
C-Spine Immobilization
-Backboard or scoop stretcher, stiff c-collar, towel rolls, tape
-Consider KED or similar device
-Restrain all four extremities, body straps
IV’s
-Trauma-large bore x 2 (14-16 gauge)
-Medical/cardiac – two sites preferred
-Number and total all IV fluids and output
NG Tube (OG if facial trauma)
-On all patients with decreased LOC
-Consider on nauseated patients
-Caution for patients who have or might receive thrombolytic therapy
Foley Catheter
-On all multiple trauma
-On all patients in potential shock
Remove all clothing on trauma patients
-Keep warm
Chest X-Ray
-Chest tube as indicated
Additional Preparations Include:
-Copies of all records, labs and x-rays (these may also be faxed to the receiving facility)
Upon arrival at the scene, the flight or ground crew will do the following:
-Take history and do a brief physical assessment.
-Ascertain that the airway is adequately controlled for transport and continue oxygen therapy or ventilator support.
-Initiate cardiac, blood pressure, oxygen saturation monitoring
-Pressure bag will be put on all intravenous fluid bags, and infusion pumps will be used as needed.
-Patient will be transferred to a stretcher and securely strapped in place.
-Secure copies of patient’s chart and other pertinent data (family contact numbers).
To arrange ground or air transportation call: 800.888.8056. For intercepts, call 911.
MedEvac helicopter services are operated by PHI Inc.
