Staff and equipment for pediatric critical care transport

For optimal regionalization of pediatric critical care, interfacility transport services that can deliver sophisticated pediatric intensive care to children who are in need and who are from a tertiary referral center must be developed. This level of care must then be maintained during the return journey to the receiving emergency department of intensive care unit. Although many means for interhospital transfer exist, most of these systems are not specifically designed to meet the specialized needs of critically ill or injured children. This article discusses the importance of specialized pediatric transport services and presents guidelines for appropriate transport team configuration, personnel training, and equipment needs for pediatric critical care transport.