Hello From the Otherside! Transport Calls

In this episode of PICU Doc on Call, third-year PICU fellow Dr. Alexandria Edwards joins Drs. Pradip Kamat, Monica Gray, and Rahul Damania for a quick and practical dive into pediatric transport medicine. Dr. Edwards walks us through her go-to framework for handling transport calls, highlighting the importance of systematically checking vitals, respiratory support, the physical exam, labs, and any interventions. The team uses a real-life case of a 12-year-old with severe status asthmaticus to talk through how to pick the right transport mode, why it’s best to avoid intubation if you can, and how to make sure you’re on the same page with the ICU team before the patient arrives. The main message? Build a solid, structured approach to transport calls and practice it every time.

Show Highlights:

• Overview of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) fellowship and training
• Importance of transport medicine in the PICU setting
• Framework for handling transport calls effectively
• Key considerations for assessing patient stability during transport
• Importance of vital signs and current patient status in decision-making
• Strategies for communicating with referring providers
• Discussion of a specific case involving a pediatric patient with asthma exacerbation
• Decision-making process for mode of transport (ground vs. air)
• Role of critical care transport teams in patient transfer
• Tips for preparing the receiving ICU team for incoming patients

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