Advanced Trauma Life Support ATLS Student Course Manual 2018

TRANSFER RESPONSIBILITIES 247
and the arrangements for patient treatment during
transport. Within the capabilities of his or her
institution, the referring doctor must stabilize the
patient’s condition before transfer to another facility.
The transfer process is initiated while resuscitative
efforts are in progress.
Transfer between hospitals is expedited by establishing
transfer agreements. They provide for consistent,
efficient movement of patients between
institutions. Additionally these agreements allow
for feedback to the referring hospital and enhance
the efficiency and quality of the patient’s treatment
during transfer.
Providing a complete and succinct patient summary
using a standardized template is useful to ensure vital
information is communicated. Omission of information
can delay the identification and care of injuries, which
can influence patient outcome. SBAR (Situation,
Background, Assessment, and Recommendation)
is a commonly used handover tool developed to
improve patient safety by facilitating the communication
of patient-specific information. n TABLE 13-2
outlines a sample ABC-SBAR template for transfer of
trauma patients.
When adequately trained emergency medical personnel
are not available, ensure that a nurse or doctor
accompanies the patient. All monitoring and management
rendered en route is carefully documented.
Pediatric patients require special expertise, and
transfer to a designated pediatric treatment facility
is often indicated. Depending on local circumstances
this may be an adult trauma center with pediatric
table 13-2 sample abc-sbar template for transfer of trauma patients
ACRONYM MEANING INFORMATION TO PROVIDE
A
Airway
B
Breathing
All airway, breathing, and circulation problems identified and interventions performed
C
Circulation
S Situation Patient Name
Age
Referring Facility
Referring physician name
Reporting nurse name
Indication for transfer
IV access site
IV fluid and rate
Other interventions completed
B Background Event history
AMPLE assessment
Blood products
Medications given (date and time)
Imaging performed
Splinting
A Assessment Vital signs
Pertinent physical exam findings
Patient response to treatment
R Recommendation Transport mode
Level of transport care
Medication intervention during transport
Needed assessments and interventions
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