When Is a Ventilator Ambulance Required?
A ventilator ambulance is needed when a patient requires ventilatory support during transport. It is the most demanding type of ambulance transfer to plan.
By Sri Loukya Ambulance Service · Updated · General information, not medical advice
The decision is clinical
Whether a ventilated patient should be moved, how far and by what means, is decided by the treating team. They weigh the benefit of the transfer against the risk of the journey.
What planning needs
- Current ventilator settings
- Oxygen requirement and expected journey duration
- Sedation and infusions in progress
- Receiving ICU's confirmation and contact
- Whether a doctor needs to accompany the patient
Road or air?
For long distances, the treating team may prefer air transfer. Road transfer can be appropriate over shorter distances or when air transfer isn't possible.