Repatriation from intensive care
This information supports an individual transport file and does not replace assessment or treatment by the responsible physician.
ICU transport begins with direct physician-to-physician handover
A patient in intensive care requires a recent diagnosis, haemodynamic and respiratory status, infusions, medication, ventilator settings and anticipated interventions. The departure and transport physicians discuss these directly.
A summary from yesterday is insufficient when support or the patient's condition has changed in the meantime.
Stabilising for the chosen route
Transport adds movement, limited space and handover points. The team assesses whether the airway, circulation, sedation, drains and lines can remain manageable throughout the entire chain.
In the event of new instability, departure is postponed and treatment is provided locally. The availability of an aircraft does not determine medical suitability.
Equipment and backup
Monitor, ventilator, pumps, oxygen, suction equipment, power and spare parts are matched to the patient and route. Battery and oxygen calculations include all ground phases and delays.
Equipment is tested before departure and securely fastened, with access for necessary intervention.
Limit and rehearse handovers
Every transfer between bed, ambulance and aircraft increases complexity. Roles, lines, cables and sequence are discussed in advance.
Clinical responsibility remains explicitly assigned until the next team has taken over the patient and information.
ICU bed in Belgium
The receiving intensive-care bed and accepting physician are confirmed before departure. They receive the current condition, microbiology, treatment and expected arrival time.
Upon arrival, changes, administered medications and technical events are handed over immediately, so intensive care continues without interruption.