The best case scenario for all EMS workers would be to transport all of your patients after they are nice and safely stabilized. However, in the real world, not everything works as you want it to. Unfortunately, there will be times that you will have to transport patients who have unstable vital signs and in less than perfect conditions. As an EMS worker, you will need to prepared to transport these patients. This means you will need to get all of the appropriate and necessary information and training regarding the transport of patients with unstable vital signs. You will also need to be aware of which equipment to use and the proper use of this equipment. This knowledge will ensure that you can treat each and every patient you may come across during your career.
How to Know if Your Patient Is Unstable
An unstable patient refers to someone who requires a thorough level of monitoring, such as checking their pulse, blood pressure or respiration. Unstable patients will require a lot of attention and may require direct and immediate intervention. Some may even need cardiac resuscitation. Patients who have uncontrollable bleeding, a fluctuating blood pressure or need to be properly stabilized for a spinal injury will also qualify as unstable. Typically, if a patient qualifies as being unstable, transport is not advised until you can stabilize them at the scene. However, there will always be exceptions to this rule. One major exception would be if there is no way treatment can stabilize them at the scene, then you need to go ahead and as safely as you can transport them.
Medical Interventions While Transporting
One of the main functions of an EMS worker is to be prepared to provide medical intervention while transporting your patient. The most common medical interventions used to help stabilize patients while transporting include:
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Applying heating blankets
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Administering oxygen
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Endotracheal intubation to aid in breathing
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Cervical collar or spinal board administration
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Fracture immobilization
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Controlling bleeding
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Administering a defibrillator
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Performing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
As an EMS worker, you will need to be trained in all the necessary procedures for medical intervention during transport. Remember transporting an unstable patient is not the ideal scenario; however, when you have the proper knowledge you can implement the best triage and intervention care, which can save lives.
Be Prepared
As an EMS worker, you have to be prepared for everything. You will need to ensure that you have completed all the necessary training and have all the knowledge available to help you in any situation that may arise. You will also have to have all the necessary equipment and supplies on hand to ensure the best care for each and every patient you encounter. While a defibrillator and blood pressure cuff is at the top of the list as necessary items, there are many more items you will need to have on hand. You should have a checklist of items, such as medical blankets, bedding, pillows, bandages, etc. The list will go on and on, but it is up to you to check your inventory and ensure it is all there.
While transporting a patient who is unstable is less than ideal, there will be many times during your career you will be faced with this decision and will ultimately have to choose to go ahead and transport this unstable patient. The only way to ensure that your patients get the best care available is to be prepared by getting all of the proper training and ensuring you have everything you need to accomplish your task should you have to transport in less than ideal conditions.