Transportation of Patients in a Bioemergency

• Authors: Lekshmi Kumar, Emory University; Alexander Isakov, Emory University
• Journal Title: Bioemergency Planning
• Publisher: Spring Link | 2018-07-07, Pages 95-105
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77032-1_8
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Health Care Management; Health Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety; Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery
• Keywords: EMS; patient transport; biosafety transport; interfacility transport; intra-facility transport; hierarchy of controls

Abstract

Serious recurrent and emerging communicable diseases, such as novel influenza strains, highly pathogenic viral hemorrhagic fevers, and novel coronaviruses in an era of increased globalization and travel, necessitate heightened vigilance and preparedness. Last year over four billion persons traveled by air. Systems and processes need to be in place to not just recognize and treat individuals, who harbor a serious pathogen, but also to manage and transport them safely while minimizing the risk of transmission to healthcare workers and others in the community. In this chapter, environmental and administrative controls, work practices, and personal protective equipment necessary to prevent transmission are described for the management and transportation of patients in both the out-of-hospital and hospital settings. © Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018