[Table of Contents]

Volume: 23S1 - January 1997

Canadian Contingency Plan for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers and Other Related Diseases

TRANSPORT OF THE PATIENT

The use of ambulance services for transportation from either a Port of Entry or a medical office or clinic to a hospital should be based on the clinical condition of the patient and after consultation with the local Medical Officer of Health/Chef du département de santé, and the standard practice of the jurisdiction. Movement of the patient by public transportation should be avoided. Where preliminary transportation has been by privately owned vehicle or by ambulance, the same vehicle, if available, should be used for further transportation.

For inter- or intra-hospital transport, transportation should be done as early as possible in the course of the disease. Because of increased mortality associated with transport⁽²⁰⁾ , critically ill patients should not be transported. The use of ambulance services for transportation should be based on the clinical condition of the patient in consultation with the local Medical Officer of Health/Chef du département de santé.

Transport personnel must be informed of the patient's condition prior to moving. Because of the possible risk of the patient bleeding (e.g., from disconnected IVs, hemoptysis, scrapes, etc.), the increased risk of aerosolization of the virus from a blood spill and the close staff proximity to the patient, gloves, fluid-resistant gowns, fluid resistant masks and goggles are considered minimal equipment for transport staff. Transport should take place in a manner that minimizes patient contact with other persons (i.e., staff or patients).

The transport vehicle should be decontaminated promptly after use with a low-grade disinfectant (see "Disinfection of the Environment").

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