Why do Ambulances Sometimes Need Other Ambulances to Assist with Patient Transfers?

Ambulances play a crucial role in transporting patients safely and efficiently, but there are certain scenarios where additional assistance is necessary. This article will explore the reasons why an ambulance might require external help for patient transfers.

Challenges in Patient Transport

Transporting a patient from one location to another can be challenging, and sometimes a single ambulance crew may find it difficult to manage the patient due to various reasons. These scenarios can arise from the physical limitations of the patient, the equipment needed, or the complexity of the medical condition. In the following sections, we will delve into the specifics of these challenges and the reasons why extra assistance is often necessary.

The Patient Cannot Be Moved Safely

Ambulance crews are trained to handle a wide range of patient conditions, but there are instances when the sheer size or fragility of the patient makes the transfer extremely challenging. This can include patients who are:

Short and skinny Obese Comatose In extremis

These patients require extra effort and multiple personnel to ensure their safety during the transfer. If the patient cannot be moved by the initial ambulance response, additional assistance may be required to prevent any risk to the patient or the crew.

Morbidly Obese Patients

Morbidity obesity presents a unique set of challenges for ambulance crews. Patients who are morbidly obese can be extremely difficult to move without causing undue strain on the crew or risking injury to the patient. Small van ambulances may not have the necessary equipment or space to safely nurse these patients, necessitating the use of a larger bariatric ambulance.

Extra Equipment Required

Not all medical conditions require the same equipment. For instance, a patient who suffered a severe trauma and requires multiple splints may need additional ambulances to provide the necessary medical supplies. An example would be a patient who had stepped off a staging platform and broke both femurs, requiring a traction splint. While one ambulance might carry one splint, additional personnel are needed to ensure the patient receives the necessary care.

Extra Hands for Severe Injuries

Severe injuries often require multiple medical professionals to provide the necessary care. For instance, during a cardiac arrest, the presence of extra personnel can be critical. If a patient's condition worsens during transport, the assistance of a second ambulance crew can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring that the patient receives the best possible care.

Higher Level of Care

Not all emergencies require the same level of medical care. Sometimes, an ambulance initially sent for a minor issue, such as shoulder pain, may encounter a patient experiencing severe chest pain, indicating a possible cardiac issue. Such a scenario may require a more advanced level of care, and a paramedic unit may be dispatched to take over care or meet the initial ambulance en route to the hospital.

Particularly Difficult to Manage Patients

Some patients are inherently difficult to manage due to their condition or behavior. For instance:

Morbidly obese: Traditional methods of securing and moving the patient may not be sufficient, and a larger vehicle is needed to accommodate the patient's size and weight. Combative patients: Soft restraints may not be enough, and additional personnel are needed to ensure the patient remains safe and secure during transport. Cardiac arrest: In such critical situations, the presence of additional personnel can make all the difference in providing timely and effective CPR and other life-saving interventions.

In conclusion, the decision to bring in extra ambulances for patient transfer is often a critical one, driven by the complexity of the patient's condition, the availability of necessary equipment, and the need for additional personnel. This practice ensures that patients receive the highest standard of care at all times, irrespective of the challenges they present.