ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on external transfers, although many principles apply to internal transfers as well, which should be planned just as carefully. Reasons for transferring critically ill patients may be clinical or non-clinical. Many units have transfer bags, containing resuscitation drugs, endotracheal tubes and suction equipment, but the transferring nurse should check equipment before leaving the unit, and ensure batteries are sufficiently charged, or sufficient spare batteries are taken. Electrocardiography, blood pressure and temperature should be monitored during transfer. Transfers are stressful for staff involved. Once outside the intensive care unit doors, staff steps outside their comfort zone and have to rely on whatever and whoever is at hand or readily contactable. Preparation and planning are therefore important to minimise risks and stressors. The chapter also focuses on ambulance transfer of Level 3 patients, but many principles apply to transfer by other means and Level 2 patients.
