This study looked at "low risk" patients who were being transferred from a community hospital to the system quaternary referral center. Patients were selected by the referral center as low risk (closed fracture requiring reduction, eye problems, minor burns, laceration, ect) for transport by personnel vehicle (POV) regardless of IV status. The families were then approached for consent.
Patients had to be between 4-17 years, without social concerns, unreliable transportation or communication differences.
78 patients were eligible with 67 patients electing transport by POV. All patients arrived safely. 29 patients had IVs in place. Procedures were in place by the sending facility to secure the IV, educate the parents about IV care and supplies in case of dislodgement were given. The drive was about 40 minutes. All IVs were functional on arrival at the referral center and there were no noted complications.
Surveys were given to the patients' families and the results were overall positive. The one negative point of feedback involved traffic and navigational difficulties.
Bottom line: In the appropriately selected patient, safe interfacility transport via POV is possible, even when an IV is in place.
References
Mangus CW, Canares T, Klein BL, et al. Interhospital Transport of Children With Peripheral Venous Catheters by Private Vehicle: A Mixed Methods Assessment. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2022;38(1):e105-e110. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000002167
