Transport of critically ill children: How to utilize resources in the developing world

Abstract

Safe transport of critically ill children remains a globally important issue, particularly in the developing countries such as India and Africa where the high risk mortality and morbidity exists during the transport process that may be less than optimal due to personnel and resource limitation. This article is intended to familiarize the reader with essential components of a good ground pediatric critical care transport program with special reference to developing countries. Essential equipment, medications, training requirement and responsibilities of transport team have been discussed in detail. In addition, recommendations from American (American academy of pediatrics-Transport section) and British pediatric critical care transport systems have been included, keeping in mind the practical feasibility in the Indian scenario where resources are limited. © 2008 Dr. K C Chaudhuri Foundation.