This text is currently under review:
Logistics:
- Over bodies of water where road transfer is not practical
- Road journey >3 hours on either leg, where air transfer would shorten this time (distance and traffic issues to be taken into account).
- When it is anticipated that the transport team cannot complete the whole round trip within their working day. Please note that mid-point meeting of two transport teams is discouraged. If this is necessary consider flying.
Clinical considerations:
- Where an infant is not responding to current management and air transfer of the team to an infant, or an infant to specialist care, would be of benefit.
- Journey times have the potential to be extended if the service has to transfer patients out of their normal region for specialist treatment or bed availability. When done by road these journeys can be physiologically demanding for the patients and logistically complex for the service. The repatriation of these patients may also be considered for transport by air.
Other babies and journey may be suitable to fly but will depend on the clinical status and local geography and can be discussed.
Patient Criteria:
- Infants may be moved in an incubator, or a heated Babypod, depending on weight and gestational age. Incubators are available for helicopter and fixed wing.
- Baby can be ventilated
- Baby can be on Humidified High Flow or CPAP
- Baby can be on Nitric Oxide
- One parent may be able to fly depending on the flight team. This must be discussed with the flight team, and promises should not be made in advance. Accompanying parents must meet ‘fitness to fly criteria’.
