Anemia of Prematurity - Portal Neonatal

MODE OF TRANSPORT Section 5 of 11
Ground ambulance
This mode is employed for relatively short-distance transport (up to 25 miles) when surface
transportation is more probable than air transport.
Advantages
• Lowest transport costs
• Relative immunity to weather (Table 2 summarizes weather and other considerations for
each mode of transport.)
• Roomy interior space allowing for improved patient access (See Image 1)
Disadvantages
• Slowest mode of transport
• Necessity of physically securing neonatal incubator inside the transport vehicle and ensuring
that neonatal-specific equipment is available if the ambulance is not dedicated to neonatal
transport
Rotor-wing aircraft (helicopter) transport
This mode is used for medium-distance transfers (up to 150 miles).
Advantages
• Speed and versatility
• Rapid departure and arrival of the team to the patient, decreased out-of-hospital time space
Disadvantages
• Need for a landing zone in close proximity to the hospital
• Likelihood of grounding due to adverse weather conditions
• Higher costs
• Restricted patient access during flight
• Compromised patient assessment and/or interventions during flight due to high environmental
noise and vibration levels (See Image 2)
Fixed-wing aircraft (airplane) transport
This mode's defined use is for long-distance transportation (typically farther than 150 miles).
Advantages
• Efficient fuel costs over long distances
• Interior space allowed for patient transport is adequate
• Reasonable access to patient during flight
Disadvantages
• Requires an airport for landing and takeoff operations(Image 3)
• Increased time with subsequent team ground transfer