[Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients]

Transport of critically ill patients from the ICU for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes (e.g. CT, endoscopy, radiological catheter-assisted interventions) is a challenge and has steadily increased over the years. After risk-benefit analysis careful planning is the first step in minimizing the risk of complications. Knowledge and skillful handling of the transport equipment is mandatory to avoid life-threatening incidents as monitoring and therapy have to be continued during the transport. Proper education and experience in critical care medicine are additional characteristics of the transport team. When these prerequisites are fulfilled a "non-transportable" patient is just as unlikely as a "non-anesthetizable" patient.