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Neonatal Transport. Fred Hill, MA, RRT. Maternal Transport. Ideal method of transport Also, called in utero. Methods of Transport. Ground (<100 miles) Ambulance Special transport van Air Helicopter (100 to 250 miles) Fixed wing (>250 miles). Ground Transport. Advantages
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Neonatal Transport Fred Hill, MA, RRT
Maternal Transport • Ideal method of transport • Also, called in utero
Methods of Transport • Ground (<100 miles) • Ambulance • Special transport van • Air • Helicopter (100 to 250 miles) • Fixed wing (>250 miles)
Ground Transport • Advantages • No need for landing sites • Not limited by inclement weather • More work area • Relatively quiet environment • Disadvantages • Time factor with great distances • Terrain and water (islands) may limit use
Helicopter • Advantages • Fast • Does not require landing strip • Disadvantages • Noise and vibration • May be grounded in certain weather conditions • Small work area • Lighting may impact pilot’s vision • Weight limitations • Highly trained crew • Expensive • Hypobaric effects
Fixed-Wing Airplane • Advantages • Fastest • Less noise and vibration • Higher altitudes, may bypass bad weather • May be more room • Disadvantages • Must land at airport, needing ground transport • Maybe grounded • Small work area • Hypobaric effects • Expensive
Effects of Altitude & Flying • Changes in partial pressure of oxygen • Expansion of gases in closed spaces • Pneumothorax • Gas in bowel • Effects on blood supply to brain based on acceleration and deceleration • Noise levels may increase stress and/or cause hearing loss • Weight and space limitations may limit parent to accompany infant
Personnel • RN & RRT • MD & RN • RN & RN • MD & RN & RRT
Personnel • Many skills • Intubation • IV access • UAC placement • Chest tube placement • Well versed and experienced in resuscitation • Usually cross trained
Special Aspects • Cylinders for gas supplies • Determination of duration of cylinder gases • Transport ventilator run by gases (fluidics) or battery powered (conversion from DC to AC powered) • Thermoregulation more difficult • Stabilization accomplished at referring hospital