Jh. Havill et al., TRANSPORT OF THE CRITICALLY ILL PATIENT - AN EXAMPLE OF AN INTEGRATEDMODEL, New Zealand medical journal, 108(1008), 1995, pp. 378-380
Aims. To demonstrate a model for the transport of critically ill patie
nts between hospitals, and the aiding of primary emergency responses (
A- Zeros). Method. A review of a model based on Waikato Hospital is ca
rried out. Results. Categories of transport, modes of transport, stand
ards, and the funding model are described. The total Waikato experienc
e includes over 2500 patients transported between hospitals and 325 A-
Zeros. A detailed analysis of cases between 1988-94 is presented. Conc
lusions. The Waikato model. has worked well. A formal system needs to
be instituted in New Zealand to handle interhospital transport of the
critically ill and also to provide medical help at the scene of emerge
ncies based on advanced trauma and intensive care centres.