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Transport Protocols

For an ambulance to transport a patient, certain requirements must be met. These include the need for transport, patient safety and choice of location. Transport protocols are detailed instructions regarding a company's policy on patient transport. Protocols are written by a manager and distributed to all employees. They include the company's requirements for transporting a patient. The requirements are used in the determination of whether the ambulance company will transport the patient.

  1. Need for transport

    • Determine the patient's need for transport. Protocols should include a list of reasons for a patient to be taken to a facility via ambulance. Reasons can include the treatment of symptoms, injury or other medical necessity. A medical necessity means the patient has a medical reason she needs to be transported to a facility by ambulance. Examples of medical necessity are oxygen, debilitation, inability to sit up safely and need for medical supervision. Once on scene, the EMS crew must determine if the patient fits the protocol requirements for transport. EMS providers perform a patient assessment to determine their current condition, symptoms and need for medical care, allowing them to make an informed decision on whether to transport.

    Secure patient

    • Once the need for transport is identified, EMS providers must determine if the patient can be transported safely. The size, condition and number of patients are considered when making the decision to transport. Some ambulance units do not have the proper equipment needed to transport bariatric patients, or those whose condition may limit their ability to travel. Specialized cots, mattresses and straps should be used to transport bariatric patients, who are often in excess of 500 pounds. The transport protocol should include the weight limit and procedures for transporting bariatric patients.

      The number of patients and their conditions also play a factor in safety. An ambulance should transport no more than two patients at the same time. Protocols will determine the number of attendants needed to transport two patients simultaneously. Protocol will also include triage requirements to determine which patient conditions have priority over others. Patients with more serious conditions should be transported before patients with less serious problems. For example, a patient having chest pain and shortness of breath will be transported before a patient with a broken arm.

    Choose destination

    • The desired destination may also be included in transport protocols. A list of facilities that specialize in certain areas of medicine, such as a pediatric hospital, burn center or trauma center, should be included in the protocol. Include the criteria for transporting patients suffering from specific conditions for each facility. For example, a patient suffering from traumatic injuries suffered in a car accident should be taken to the local trauma center, where they can receive specialized treatment geared for their type of injury. A child suffering from an illness should be transported to the local childrens' hospital, where they can receive care from providers who specialize in pediatric medicine. Some facilities may not accept patients who are suffering from a serious condition or injury because they are unable to provide the necessary treatments and care.

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