Question: A hospital wants to send a hip fracture patient for transfer. They claim blood pressure is normally high 80's and doesn't require an escort. Should they not still be sending one?

 Excellent question! In terms of the patient stability and the role of including a possible medical escort, this is a real issue that you must communicate with the sending physician. You should explain your concerns regarding the patient condition; explain the limits of your scope of practice and your ability to intervene if the patient were to deteriorate.

Ultimately, the sending physician is responsible for the welfare of the patient on transport and the role of appropriate medical escorts. However, when situations have arisen in the past, crucial conversations as to the various escorts that may be available to assist you (RT, RN, MD, Ornge) have led to enhanced patient safety on transport. Your supervisor and or the Base Hospital Physician may also be a useful resource if you are confronted with a transport where you feel the patient may benefit from an enhanced scope of practice. The Base Hospital will stand behind you in addressing safety concerns you may have when asked to transfer an unstable patient you feel requires additional medical escorts.

BLS,Miscellanous

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