Critical Care Retrieval and Transport

Abstract

This subject focuses on providing students with specialised knowledge of aeromedical retrieval and critical care transport environments and systems of care for fixed-wing, rotary wing and ground transport. Students will learn foundational concepts including flight physiology, stressors of flight, aircraft types and retrieval team configurations. The subject will explore how critical care paramedics work as part of an interprofessional team to prepare patients for transport while applying culturally responsive practice and inclusive practices including the application of cultural safety to First Nations peoples during emergent transportation. Students will learn about the specialised equipment used in the air ambulance transport setting such as transport ventilators and IV pumps and clinical considerations relevant to transport. The subject will also address specialty transports including paediatric, neonatal, bariatric, acute behavioural disturbances, and intensive care interfacility transfers involving specialised equipment such as Intra-aortic balloon pumps.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Foundations of air medical transport and retrieval – flight physiology, aircraft, specialty teams;Preparing for transport – handover, patient assessment and packaging;During transport – equipment and clinical considerations;Specialty transfers – ECMO, IABP, bariatric, paediatric, psychiatric, international; andApplied ethical, patient-centred and inclusive practice, including the … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Foundations of air medical transport and retrieval – flight physiology, aircraft, specialty teams;
Preparing for transport – handover, patient assessment and packaging;
During transport – equipment and clinical considerations;
Specialty transfers – ECMO, IABP, bariatric, paediatric, psychiatric, international; and
Applied ethical, patient-centred and inclusive practice, including the application of cultural safety to First Nations peoples during emergent transportation.

Assessment items

1. Case Study

3. Oral viva

Enrolment restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in postgraduate paramedic study.

Pre-requisite

Learning activities

Intensive School

The purpose of the intensive school is to demonstrate and practice clinical skills in a safe environment for the students, allowing them an opportunity to receive timely feedback and support from the hands-on experience. APS510 is an advanced critical care retrieval and transport subject that incorporates skills and knowledge on the topics of flight physiology, aircraft specialty teams, preparation for transportation, equipment and clinical considerations, and specialty transfers such as ECMO, IABP, paediatric, psychiatric and international transfers.

Duration5 days

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students attending compulsory intensive schools on Charles Sturt campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.

Handbook