Airway and respiratory considerations: |
- Full O2 cylinder of a size appropriate for duration of transport
- Transport ventilator versus manual ventilation for mechanically ventilated patients
- Bag valve mask with intact appropriately sized face mask and PEEP valve
- Oral and/or nasal airways
- Consider need for portable suctioning device and suction catheters
- Ability to monitor SpO2. EtCO2 monitoring is desirable where available.
- Consider need for addition of endotracheal tubes, laryngoscopes, or other equipment to secure or resecure the airway during transport or at transport destination
- If patient requires inhaled nitric oxide or epoprostenol, providers familiar with these agents should accompany the patient
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Cardiovascular considerations: |
- Ensure ability to monitor BP, whether noninvasive or invasive
- Ensure ability to monitor ECG
- Ensure immediate availability of various vasoactive agents for bolus administration, including those used for rescue
- Ensure an adequate supply of any currently administered infusions including a possible need for increased support during transport
- Ensure transport monitor function and battery life
- Ensure availability of a portable cardioverter-defibrillator
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Other considerations: |
- Ensure availability of IV fluids and appropriate tubing
- Ensure that lines and tubes are adequately labeled and secured and have sufficient slack in their tubing to reduce the risk of dislodgment
- Ensure availability of additional sedative-analgesic medications
- Assess need for special monitors (eg, ICP, PAC)
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