AST Guideline for Patient Transportation

2 Guideline I When assigned the transportation of surgical patients it is the responsibility of the CST to ensure the safe transfer of a patient from a ward bed to a transportation device. 1. The specific needs of the patient should be considered when selecting the method of transport. This includes: A. Need for IV pole(s); B. Need to transport oxygen tank; C. Conscious, semi-conscious or unconscious patient; D. Determining the physical abilities and state of health of the patient. Knowing the patients state of health and abilities will help in the choice of mode of transportation, decrease the possibility of accidents to the patient and CST, and aid in determining the number of HCP needed to help move the patient from the ward bed to the transporting device. 2. The following parameters should be considered when identifying the mode of transportation to be utilized to support the safety of the patient and CST. A. Wheels can be locked. B. Safety straps available. C. Side rails are high enough. D. Ability to use patient transfer devices. E. Maneuverability of transportation device. F. Mattress on stretcher is securely held in place. G. Ability to accommodate positioning needs of the patient. H. IV poles can be easily transferred with the chosen method of transport. I. Rails on crib are high enough to prevent pediatric patient from falling out. J. Method of transport is large enough to accommodate the size of the patient. K. Shelf or rack is available to transport oxygen tank and/or monitoring devices. L. The transportation device has undergone scheduled inspections, maintenance and repair to ensure proper functioning. 3. To safeguard the safety of the patient and CST, the following safety measures should be implemented during the transfer of the patient from the ward bed to the transport device. A. There must be an adequate number of HCP available to transfer the patient. The assessment of the patient will aid in determining the number of HCP that will be needed. 1) For the conscious, mobile patient a minimum of two HCP are required. 2) For the semi-conscious or unconscious, non-mobile patient a minimum of four HCP are required (additional precautions to be taken for transporting critically ill patients is addressed in Guideline IV). 2 B. To promote the safety of the non-mobile patient and HCP, patient transfer devices are recommended for use.