Training for the transport of mechanically ventilated patients

The transport of critically ill patients is hazardous, yet necessary. In these conditions monitoring may be challenging, and the ability to intervene when problems arise is often limited. Conducting safe transport of these patients has been shown to be possible when experienced personnel apply their knowledge appropriately. It is a complex exercise, however, with significant potential for breakdown. Despite the magnitude of such transports of high-risk patients, no substantive focus on formal training exists. This article proposes that formal training of transport teams be strongly considered at the institutional level, and it introduces the content and method of delivery of this training. Because these are expressed opinions, the concept should be explored and validated by an interventional study, establishing a baseline of transport complications in a given facility, implementing some form of training, and reevaluating the performance of the trained providers in the same institution. A significant reduction in complications would validate the time, effort, and expense of developing such a course and would provide a model for other institutions to follow.