Development of an Interfacility Transport Program for Critically Ill Cardiovascular Patients

The expanding use of newer coronary artery intervention modalities in the treatment of critically ill cardiac patients has produced a profound change in the manner in which acute care is rendered to these patients. To meet the needs of community hospitals and to improve the safety of interfacility transport to tertiary care centers, a transport program was developed at The Hospital of the Good Samaritan, Los Angeles, California. Rapid transport by helicopter, fixed-wing aircraft or specialized ground ambulance services has been used to improve patient transit time and safety of transfer between the community hospital and tertiary care facility. Experience at The Hospital of the Good Samaritan (1,012 consecutive patients) compares favorably with other programs and proves to be safe and beneficial.