explain with suitable examples the care to be taken when using the method of transporting patients
Answers
1. Discussion. Within any treatment facility, the methods and procedures used for taking a patient into and out of an OR must be implemented in such a way that the patient is not harmed in the process. The methods and procedures in use vary, depending upon the type of medical installation. For example, at an aid station caring for the combat wounded, transporting the patient prepared for surgery may involve little more than lifting the litter onto litter supports and reversing the procedure after surgery.
In a large hospital, a more elaborate procedure is necessary. Regardless of the type of treatment facility, however, the basic purpose of transporting the patient is the same--to move the patient safely in and out of the OR. To this end, the OR specialist transporting patients should observe many precautions.
2. Responsibility of the Operating Room Specialist. In a large hospital, the circulator is often the person who transports the patient to the surgical suite. However, another specialist from the surgical staff may be assigned to transport the patient when the surgery load is heavy, when the distance from nursing unit to OR is long, or when local policy so prescribes. The anesthetist and surgeon always accompany the patient to his post-surgical destination. The specialist is responsible for the patient's safety and well being whenever he is transporting the patient. Therefore, the specialist must know the appropriate procedure for obtaining and transporting the patient. The specialist must know how to recognize and deal with symptoms of distress in the patient and know the location of emergency supplies and equipment along the route. The specialist mustnever leave the patient unattended on transporting equipment. One person must be with such a patient at all times. In addition, the specialist must account for the patient.