CC transport is a difficult job with many variables. The equipment you need to help you get there safely will adapt to the situation. But regardless of how critical care transport evolves, it will always require you to have a set of essential gear. This means something that is going to add value to your trade: it’s going to help you do your job better and make your life easier on the road to the hospital. Here are some essential items for a safe trip in critical care transport. Make sure you put them in stock before your next call!
Monitor and data logger
If you’re going to the hospital in critical care transport, you may want to monitor internal patients’ vital signs and record them on an always-on monitor. You may choose to use an average of the last three hours to better target your usage. Or you may want to record every 10 minutes, with every 20th minute recording vital signs. This will help you save time, money and ensure that you’re not missing anything important. It will also help the staff make informed decisions when monitoring patients. It’s especially helpful if the staff uses an automated medication pump since they can easily see the accuracy of the data.
Potable drinking facility (PDF)
In addition to monitoring vital signs, you’ll also want to make sure the patient has access to drinkable water. Some facilities have a dedicated drinking fountain or water closet, while others have a water source they provide to patients on a case-by-case basis. At any facility that allows patients to supply their own water, you’ll want to make sure they have access to at least 2 litres of water per day.
Autopilot
The driver’s job is to drive, but on some shifts, you’ll need to participate in vehicle administration. This could include keeping an eye on the patient’s vital signs and adjusting the driver’s airway if necessary. You’ll also want to make sure the patient has access to oxygen, given the rising popularity of critical care transport. It’s not necessary to provide an oxygen tank to a patient in critical care transport, but you’ll want to make sure they have the equipment to oxygenate their blood.
Oxygenator
Oxygen therapy is essential for patients in critical care transport. Many facilities provide an oxygenator, which is a specialized machine that provides high concentrations of oxygen. The goal is to help patients stay as comfortable and alert as possible while they wait for their turn in the room. Oxygenators come in many different forms, but they all have three things in common: They’re costly, difficult to use, and require regulation. Most unregulated machines provide about 2 litres of oxygen for around $1,000. Regulated machines cost around $2,000 and up. Some patients may experience a wait before receiving an oxygenator, especially in long-term care facilities, so make sure you get one pre-booked. If you have to wait before receiving an oxygenator, make sure the patient has at least 2 litres of water and a fruit juice or snack to tide them over until the machine shows up.
Cardiac output transducer
Cardiac output transducers are small devices that monitor the amount of blood being generated by the patient. Some cardiac output sensors are placed in the patient’s IV line, while others are worn by the patient or the caregiver. When the patient’s conditions rise above a certain level, a signal will be sent to the hospital. The amount of blood generated is recorded by the sensor, along with the time of the delivery and the type of product being dispensed. Cardiac output sensors are helpful for two reasons. First, they give you an accurate readout of how much blood is actually being pumped by the patient and not just the IV bags. And second, they help the staff keep track of the patient’s every waking moment, which can help them make informed decisions during the patient’s stay.
Respiratory failure monitoring device
Respiratory failure monitoring devices are similar to cardiac output sensors, but they monitor breathing. Many have a range of sensors that show the patient’s oxygen saturation, heart rate and movement, as well as a display that helps the staff track the patient’s progress during their stay. Like cardiac output sensors, respiratory failure monitoring devices are helpful for two reasons. First, they give you an accurate readout of how much oxygen is actually being delivered to the patient. And second, they help the staff keep track of the patient’s every waking moment, which can help them make informed decisions during the patient’s stay.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Device
You may have heard about the “ CPAP Dream, ” but for the majority of patients, it’s not necessary for the trip to the hospital. In fact, many patients report having better sleep on their own mattress rather than being on a respiratory machine. You’ll likely want to use a CPAP device during the night shift, since some rooms only allow light sleep (i.e., less than 5 hours). Most machines come with a variety of settings, which you can personalize according to your preferences. Some patients find setting the machine to “low” allows them to sleep, while others find it more effective to “med” (i.e., higher settings).
Bedside alarm clock with alarm system
A good alarm system is essential for anyone who travels with children. It’ll help you stay focused and avoid getting complacent while on the road. Some alarms even have a speaker so you can play soothing sounds to help you get a good night’s sleep. Make sure the alarm is loud enough to be heard in the hospital room, but not so loud that it wakes up the patient.
Stopwatch
A good stopwatch is one of those things that you might not think you need, but which everyone in your staff will appreciate. A stopwatch is a great way to measure the entire length of the hospital stay. You can use it to track the total number of hours, the total number of minutes or the total number of seconds a patient is in the hospital bed.
Travel bag
If you’re going to spend any time in a hospital bed, you’ll want to look your best. That’s where a travel bag comes in. A travel bag is like an overnight bag for your car. It has all the necessary equipment for the trip, as well as space for your personal items. It’s often light enough to fit in the trunk of your car, and it’ll keep your clothes from getting wrinkled while you’re on the road.
Conclusion
Your trip to the hospital in critical care transport will be one of the most stressful times of your life. You’ll be sharing the journey with other passengers on a life-threatening journey. The best way to make the trip as painless as possible is to prepare ahead of time. Essential equipment for a safe trip to the hospital in critical care transport is to have in stock. Keep it in your glove compartment or the back of your car. If you’re going to the hospital in critical care transport, be ready with the following items: Monitor and data logger Potable drinking facility (PDF) Autopilot Oxygenator Cardiac output transducer Respiratory failure monitoring device Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Device Bedside alarm clock with alarm system Stopwatch Travel bag Keep your active and healthy, and you’ll be ready to go when the time comes!