Innovation in transport of critical care patients
Muijrers, Q.; Thomas, O.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 162: D2133
2018
ISSN/ISBN: 1876-8784 PMID: 29328014 Document Number: 696429
The differentiation of specialist care means that not every hospital can meet specific care requirements. Because of this, frequent transport of critical care patients is necessary. In most circumstances, regular ambulance transport is used, either with or without an accompanying physician. In some cases, a mobile intensive care unit (MICU) can be deployed. However, the MICU is not 24/7 operational in our area and significant waiting times can occur. Additionally, space and resources in a regular ambulance are limited. We have therefore developed a new protocol, covering the transport of critical care patients. In this, we use a special trolley with built-in advanced devices, such as a respiratory apparatus, in combination with an adapted ambulance. By using this protocol we minimize time loss and guarantee safe and patient-centred transport.