Indications for Transport - Adult Patient

Non-Trauma

General Indications for Critical Care Transport of the Non-Trauma Adult Patient.

  • Any patient that is medically unstable/critically ill requiring timely transport to definitive care
  • Any patient in which a delay in timely, advanced medical investigation or intervention could be expected to result in an adverse outcome
  • Any patient whose needs exceed the personnel, equipment, or expertise of the local sending agency or institution

Trauma

Physiologic Criteria

  • Systolic BP < 90 with hypoperfusion  
  • Ventilatory Compromise (RR < 10 or > 29)
  • Glasgow Coma Scale < 12 or other evidence or suspicion of, significant head injury

Anatomic Criteria

  • Amputation proximal to elbow or knee
  • 2 or more proximal long bone fractures
  • Suspected spinal cord injury with neurological deficit
  • Severe maxillofacial injury with potential airway compromise
  • Burns (2nd, 3rd, chemical, inhalation) >15% TBSA

Mechanism Criteria

  • Gunshot wound proximal to knee or elbow
  • Significant penetrating wound to head, neck, chest, abdomen, or groin

Logistical Criteria

  • Simultaneous arrival or presence of 3 or more multiple‐trauma patients and / or local resources is overwhelmed  

Note: These are guidelines only and any case may be reviewed with the EHS LifeFlight Medical Control Physician for advice or consideration for transport.

1-800-743-1334.