Inter-Unit Transfer

There are four levels of dependency for transport:

1. Critical Care – High Dependency
2. Critical Care – Medium Dependency
3. Non-Critical Care – Low Dependency
4. Non-Critical Care – Minimal Dependency

Level 1: High Dependency

These are patients who require intensive support during transit including any combination of ventilation (with SpO2 and End Tidal CO2 monitoring), arterial monitoring for Mean Arterial Pressure, ECG monitoring of cardiac dysrhythmia, and monitoring of core temperature.

These patients may be unconscious or sedated/anaesthetised.

An intensivist is required to provide this level of care, supported by a nurse trained in both critical care and in-transit care.

Level 2: Medium dependency

These are patients who do not require intensive support, but do still demand regular monitoring and whose condition may deteriorate during transport.

Patients include those requiring a combination of oxygen administration, one or more intravenous infusions (including syringe driven drug and fluid administration), and multiple drains or catheters.

An intensivist is required to provide this level of care, supported by a nurse trained in both critical care and in-transit care.

Level 3: Low dependency

These are patients whose condition is not expected to deteriorate during transit, but who require nursing care or management of simple oxygen therapy, continuation of an intravenous infusion, and/or a urinary catheter.

Medical technicians and non-specialist nursing staff are suitable for this task.

Level 4: Minimal dependency

These are patients who do not require nursing attention in-transit, but who might need assistance with mobility or bodily functions.