The nuts and bolts of organizing and initiating a pediatric transport team. The Sutter Memorial experience.

Specialized interfacility transport teams are capable of delivering critical care medicine to the patient at the referring hospital and while en route to the tertiary care center. To do so effectively, however, requires adequate financial and human resources; management of equipment, supplies and personnel; ongoing education for transport team members; and an aggressive quality assurance program. Team members and team management should always be prepared for worst-case scenarios, and develop a method for problem resolution as troublesome issues arise. The ultimate goal of serving the needs of the critically ill child can be consistently met only if there is a high level of commitment of all involved--from the hospital administrator and medical director to the transport coordinator and team members.