[Intrahospital transportation in large hospitals]

In July 1989 an enquiry was conducted among all intensive care units with more than 6 beds regarding their experience of intrahospital transport of critically ill patients. The results are presented and commented on. The study then deals with some of the specific problems which arise when critically ill patients have to be moved within the hospital. Recent publications and our own experience concerning transport of ventilator-dependent patients suggest that there should at least be monitoring of expiratory volumes. Ventilation of the patient by portable mechanical ventilator has proven superior to manual ventilation since mechanical ventilation is more consistent and therefore fewer hemodynamic complications are to be expected. A simple device is described involving suction (by means of an injector run on oxygen) and an oxygen delivery system including an outlet into which the respirator can be plugged direct. A small shelf which can be easily attached to the bed has proven helpful during transport.