How to Transport a Patient

When you need to move someone who is under medical care, it's important you consider all the needs her condition requires. Transporting a patient who cannot be moved from machinery or who has severe injuries, for example, requires certain expertise and vehicles that can contain both the person and any medical equipment they need. The people helping you transport the patient should be qualified and you must be sure that they're following protective guidelines to ensure that themselves and the patient stay healthy and safe.

Things You'll Need

• Protective gear
• Facemasks
• Goggles
• Medical gloves
• Vehicle
• Medical equipment

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Instructions

• 1

  Gear up with a face mask, gloves, protective clothing, and goggles if necessary, depending on the patient's condition. Remember that moving a patient could put you in contact with their body and fluids, which can transmit disease.

• 2

  Move the patient to a stretcher or wheelchair to get them from their current location to the vehicle that will be used to transport them. Be sure that their doctor is apprised of their movements so that she can prescribe medication and proper moving procedures. You should never move a critically ill or injured patient without a medical professional's permission and guidance.

• 3

  Place the patient in the vehicle that will transport him to his new facility. If needed, you'll have to hook up IVs with fluids or medication. Be sure they're strapped in so that they won't be jostled too much during transport. If his health is in serious jeopardy, have a nurse or doctor accompany the patient in the transport.

• 4

  Pack their belongings, an extra hospital gown, and any medications they may need in the transport with the patient. They may need them at their new facility. Be sure that their hospital records are being transferred, if need be, and that a list of their medications and dosing schedule is with them in the transport, in case the records aren't sent quickly enough for the new doctors to be on schedule.

• 5

  Maintain a quiet and confident demeanor to keep the patient calm and positive. State of mind is important when transporting a patient because it works better if they're helpful and cheerful. Talk to them as you're moving them and explain each step of the process so that they're not confused or alarmed when they're moved.