Preparing the neonate for transport

Evaluation and stabilization of a neonate while arranging for neonatal transport are often stressful undertakings marked by urgency. Available resources may be limited, which further exacerbates anxiety of parents, staff, and physician. Even with limited resources, however, staff should be trained to evaluate and assess newborn babies and notify a physician quickly of any concerns. A preplanned transport algorithm gives a physician time to stabilize and manage the newborn while arranging for transport. Conditions that require neonatal transport are outlined, with a brief description of the subsequent hospital course, as anticipatory information for the parents.