ABSTRACT
Problems and clinical incidents are often caused by equipment failure, or failure to secure equipment (Everest and Munford, 2009; Fried et al., 2010).
P R O F E S S I O N A L
Both equipment and medicines should be rationalised so there is sufficient, without excess. Unnecessary equipment may delay transfers, and access to what is needed. Infusions should be minimised (usually limited to sedatives and inotropes). Emergency drugs and equipment should be taken. Many units have transfer bags, containing resuscitation drugs, endotracheal tubes and suction equipment, but the transferring nurse should check equipment before leaving the unit. If the patient is ventilated, a portable ventilator is necessary. If possible, this should be attached about an hour before transfer, so that blood gases can be checked in time for any necessary changes to be made, enabling stabilisation of the patient on the ventilator before leaving the unit.
