PATIENT TRANSPORTATION ETHIOPIAN POLICE FORCE
PROTOCOL 2025 G.C
Patient Transportation Protocol
1. Purpose
To ensure the safe,efficient, and timely transportation of patients within the hospital, to other
departments, and between facilities.
The protocol aims to prevent harm, reduce delays, and ensure proper monitoring and care during
transit.
2. Scope
Applies to all staff involved in patient transportation within the healthcare setting, including
transport teams, nurses, physicians, and any staff coordinating or assisting with patient
movement.
3. Types of Patient Transportation
Intra-hospital Transport: Moving patients between departments (e.g., from ER to ICU,
from ICU to Radiology, or from surgery to recovery).
Inter-hospital Transport: Transferring patients between hospitals (e.g., from a regional
hospital to a tertiary care center).
Specialized Transport: For patients requiring specific care, such as those on ventilators,
in need of critical monitoring, or with unstable conditions.
4. Transport Team Composition
Transport Nurse/Healthcare Provider: A qualified healthcare professional, typically a
nurse, who accompanies the patient during transport. They are responsible for monitoring
the patient’s condition, administering necessary interventions, and ensuring safe transfer.
Transport Attendant: A trained staff member who helps with non-medical tasks (e.g.,
pushing the stretcher or wheelchair, securing equipment).
Physician: If the patient is critically ill, a physician or advanced practice provider may be
involved in transport to ensure that proper medical care is given during transit.
Security or Escort Personnel: Assist in coordinating transport within the facility or
during inter-hospital transfer.
5. Pre-Transport Preparation
A. Patient Assessment
Condition Evaluation: Assess the patient’s stability, including vital signs (blood
pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, temperature).
Risk Assessment: Identify any potential risks (e.g., deteriorating respiratory status, post-
operative complications, or cardiac conditions).
Medical Equipment and Supplies: Ensure that all necessary equipment (e.g., IV pumps,
monitors, oxygen, medications) is prepared and ready for transport.
B. Transport Equipment
Stretcher or Wheelchair: Ensure the appropriate transport device is selected based on
the patient’s condition (e.g., stretcher for critically ill, wheelchair for stable patients).
Monitoring Equipment: Ensure continuous monitoring devices (ECG, pulse oximeter,
etc.) are functioning and available for use during transport.
Oxygen: Confirm adequate oxygen supply if the patient requires respiratory support.
Infusion Pumps/Medication: Ensure that any infusions or medications required are
ready and able to be administered during transport.
6. Transport Process
A. Safety and Comfort during Transport
Patient Positioning: Ensure proper alignment and comfort. Consider the patient's
condition (e.g., positioning for a patient post-surgery, spinal precautions, etc.).
Vital Sign Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (pulse, BP, oxygen
saturation, respiratory rate) during transport.
Secure Patient and Equipment: Ensure that the patient is securely fastened to the
stretcher and that any necessary equipment (e.g., IV lines, oxygen tanks, drains) is
properly secured.
Emergency Equipment: Ensure that emergency equipment such as suction,
defibrillators, and resuscitation bags are readily available if needed.
B. Communication
Hand-off Communication: Prior to transport, ensure that clear communication occurs
between the current care team (e.g., nurses, doctors) and the transport team. This includes
a detailed report on the patient’s condition, medications, and special needs.
Notification to Receiving Department: Notify the receiving department (e.g., ICU,
Radiology) of the patient’s arrival time and condition in advance to prepare for their care.
Emergency Contact Information: Ensure that emergency contact details are available,
and staff is aware of the primary physician or attending clinician for any critical issues.
C. Transport Methods
Elevators/Transport Paths: Follow designated transport routes and avoid unnecessary
delays. Ensure that elevators and passageways are cleared and accessible.
Inter-hospital Transport: For inter-hospital transfers, ensure that the patient is
accompanied by a transport nurse or physician and that all transport arrangements (e.g.,
ambulance, stretcher, ventilator transport) are confirmed in advance.
7. Post-Transport Procedures
A. Arrival at Destination
Hand-off Report: Provide a detailed handoff report to the receiving medical team,
including all relevant medical information about the patient’s condition, medications,
vital signs, and ongoing care needs.
Patient Transfer: Ensure a smooth and safe transfer of the patient to the appropriate bed,
equipment, and monitoring systems.
Check Monitoring Equipment: Once the patient is settled, check that all monitoring
equipment (heart rate, oxygen saturation, etc.) is functioning properly in the new location.
B. Documentation
Transport Log: Record the transport details, including time of transport, route taken,
personnel involved, patient condition, and any interventions required during transport.
Incident Reporting: If there were any issues during the transport (delays,
complications), report these promptly through the incident reporting system.
8. Emergency Protocol During Transport
Sudden Decline: If the patient's condition deteriorates during transport (e.g., cardiac
arrest, respiratory failure), immediately activate emergency protocols:
o Administer CPR or other appropriate emergency interventions.
o Notify the receiving team about the patient’s decline.
o Prepare to return the patient to the nearest department for stabilization if needed.
9. Infection Control Measures
Hand Hygiene: Ensure that all transport staff adhere to hand hygiene practices before
and after patient contact.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use appropriate PPE for the patient’s condition
(e.g., for patients with suspected infections, wear gloves, masks, gowns, etc.).
Isolation Protocol: If the patient requires isolation (e.g., due to a contagious disease),
ensure that isolation procedures are followed during transport.
10. Staff Training and Competency
Transport Training: Ensure that all staff involved in patient transport are trained in
basic life support (BLS) and the operation of transport equipment.
Emergency Drills: Regularly conduct emergency transport drills to ensure readiness for
critical situations.
11. Documentation and Quality Control
Transport Logs: Record and document each patient transport for quality monitoring and
auditing purposes.
Incident Reporting: Any delays or complications during transport should be reported for
analysis and improvement of the transport process
