Pediatric Critical Care Interfacility Transport

Interfacility transport of critically ill pediatric patients requires coordination among referring physicians/institutions, receiving physicians/institutions, transport team personnel, and emergency medical services. Specialized transport teams can facilitate these transports as well as provide a unique service to the patients and their families. Providing critical care to patients in a transport environment is very different from providing this care in the intensive care unit or the emergency department. Transport personnel must be trained and equipped to provide this care in various environments, including ambulance, rotor wing, and fixed wing aircraft. This article reviews the process of setting up a pediatric critical care transport, team composition, equipment needs, personnel requirements, safety issues, and legal issues related to the interfacility transport of pediatric patients.