Equipment for Safe Patient Transport PDF

Title: Equipment for Safe and Effective Patient Transport Introduction: Purpose of Transport: Discuss the clinical scenarios that require patient transport (e.g., between hospital units, to diagnostic facilities, or for emergency evacuation). Importance of Equipment Preparedness...

Title: Equipment for Safe and Effective Patient Transport Introduction: Purpose of Transport: Discuss the clinical scenarios that require patient transport (e.g., between hospital units, to diagnostic facilities, or for emergency evacuation). Importance of Equipment Preparedness: The significance of ensuring that all necessary equipment is readily available and functioning before transport. 1. Airway Adjuncts Oropharyngeal Airways (OPA): Used to prevent the tongue from occluding the airway in unconscious patients. Indications: Unconscious patients without a gag reflex. Sizing and insertion technique. Nasopharyngeal Airways (NPA): Used to maintain airway patency in patients with intact gag reflex or in cases where OPA is not feasible. Indications: Semi-conscious patients, post-epistaxis precautions. Sizing and insertion method. Supraglottic Devices (e.g., Laryngeal Mask Airway - LMA): A temporary airway management tool in emergencies. Insertion, indications, and limitations in transport settings. Endotracheal Tubes (ETT): Used for secure airway management, particularly in critical patients. Intubation techniques, confirmation of placement (ETCO2 monitoring), and securing the ETT during transport. 2. Breathing Equipment Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Ventilation: Function and use of BVMs in spontaneous and assisted ventilation. Mask seal technique, ventilation rates, and oxygen attachment. Portable Ventilators: Features of transport ventilators (e.g., size, weight, battery life). Modes of ventilation (e.g., volume-controlled, pressure-controlled). Importance of monitoring ventilation parameters (tidal volume, rate, FiO2). Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV): Indications for using CPAP/BiPAP during transport. Mask fit and managing leaks. Oxygen Concentrators and Cylinders: Types of oxygen supplies (portable cylinders’ vs concentrators). Oxygen flow rate adjustment and cylinder duration estimation for transport. 3. Sedation & High-Alert Medications Sedation for Transport: Indications: Sedation to minimize anxiety, pain, and agitation during transport. Common agents: Benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam), opioids (e.g., fentanyl), and sedatives (e.g., propofol). Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of sedation level, respiratory rate, and SpO2. High-Alert Medications: Medications requiring extra caution due to high potential for harm if used incorrectly (e.g., vasopressors, insulin, anticoagulants). Proper labeling and double-check procedures. Key examples in transport: Epinephrine, norepinephrine, vasopressin (for shock patients); insulin (for critically high glucose). Handling during transport: Avoiding interruption in medication infusion, securing infusion lines. 4. Oxygen Supply and Monitoring Oxygen Delivery Systems: Nasal cannula: For low-flow oxygen therapy (1-6 L/min). Face mask: Simple, non-rebreather, and Venturi masks for higher oxygen demands. High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO): Indications, setup, and ensuring proper humidification during transport. Pulse Oximeters and Capnography: Continuous SpO2 monitoring with pulse oximetry. Capnography for end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) monitoring, especially for intubated patients. 5. Monitoring and Documentation during Transport Vital Signs Monitoring: Equipment: Portable monitors for ECG, SpO2, ETCO2, and non-invasive BP. Frequency of monitoring during transport and responding to critical changes. Transport Documentation: Recording vital signs, medication administration, interventions, and adverse events during transport. Handoff communication: SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) technique for clear information transfer at the receiving end. 6. Safety and Communication Transport Safety Measures: Securing all equipment and ensuring patient stability during movement. Importance of having a trained transport team (nurse, respiratory therapist, and, if needed, a physician). Clear Communication and Role Assignment: Establishing team roles: Who monitors vitals, who manages equipment, etc. Pre-transport checklist: Ensuring all required equipment, drugs, and personnel are ready. Thank You