The RFDS in WA

The need to transport patients is a common feature of rural medical and hospital practice. The literature abounds with papers outlining the adverse outcomes which can occur during intra-hospital and inter-hospital transport.

Problems arise from:

• Inadequate diagnosis and initial management
• Poor preparation
• Failure to recognise potential complications during transport; and
• The use of inexperienced or inappropriate escorts

• The principles of preparation of patients for transport
• The capabilities of different transport services in Western Australia
• Some special considerations in air transport of medical conditions
• What should accompany patients being transferred; and
• The medico-legal implications of patient transport

You can download the full version of the booklet 'Transporting Your Patient' below, which covers how to organise a transfer, preparation of patients, tips for specific groups of patients and other useful information.