Transport considerations for the critically ill child.

Transport of the critically ill child to and between hospitals has become a specialty field. Proper preparation and planning is critical on the part of the transferring party, the receiving facility, and the transport crew. Optimal patient outcome occurs when all parties involved understand each other and work together. Indications for transport, determination of transport mode, crew configuration of the transport team, necessary equipment, and physical examination including clinical interventions are key components of a successful transport. The following is a brief overview of these specific considerations involved when transporting the critically ill child.