Affiliation: | 1ICU Project Co-ordinator, South West Sydney Area, Health Service 2Medical Director Careflight, Retrieval Service, Staff Specialist Anaesthetics, Liverpool Health Service 3Professor and Chairman, Anaesthetics and Intensive Care, Liverpool Health Service |
Abstract: | The transfer of the critically ill patient is often complex and difficult, and may contribute to increased morbidity. It is therefore valuable to have an understanding of the practical problems relating to patient transfer, and common management strategies, in order to minimise adverse outcomes. Key issues in the process of transporting the critically ill patient in metropolitan Sydney include: (i) particular problems and pitfalls during the transfer process; (ii) risk factors in transferring patients and the appropriateness of escorts and transfer procedures; (iii) procedures for arranging a patient transfer; (iv) the role of the NSW Medical Retrieval Co-ordination Centre (MRCC); (v) preparation of the patient for transfer, (vi) education of staff on the concept of safe matching of patient needs to appropriate escorts; and (vii) the need for a co-ordinated patient transfer system to Sydney metropolitan hospitals. An understanding of these issues, and an appropriate response to them from hospital staff will ensure safe and efficient transportation of critically ill patients in metropolitan Sydney. |