Transport - guidelines for referring hospital preparation

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Initial referral to P.I.C.U consultant

Details required

• Patient name
• D.O.B
• Hospital number
• Patient diagnosis and history of presenting complaint
• Patient weight
• Present condition and current management
• Investigations
• Allergies, Immunisation status, Infectious contact / Isolation required
• Referring Consultant name and contact number
• Referring Hospital name and Department

Patient preparation

• Patient notes copied
• X-rays / scans
• Recent blood results including glucose
• Patient Vital signs + core temp
• Preferably at least two patent IVs
• Nasogastric tube on free drainage. (All infants with moderate to severe respiratory distress should have a gastric tube inserted)
• Nil by Mouth
• • IV Fluids with glucose
• Maternal blood for neonates
• Intubated and ventilated
• • Ventilator settings
  • Arterial Blood gas result, (if available)
  • CXR - Check ETT position
  • ETT size and position at lip / nares
• Pneumothoraces will require a chest drain prior to transport
• Blood products available especially patients with sepsis, DIC, trauma
• Inotropes drawn up if needed, preferably as per PICU infusion protocols
• Arterial line, if able
• Central venous access, if able
• Consider IO if unable to obtain adequate access
• Nebuliser and Adrenaline 1:1000 drawn up for patients with stridor
• Parents travelling
• • Medically cleared to fly
  • Accommodation organised
  • Ready to depart with PICU team

You can access a printable pdf checklist of this guideline here