Transport ventilator
Keeps breathing support running from bed to bed.
Care level · Critical Care
Critical Care. Intensive care, moving.
For critically ill patients moving between hospitals. A transport ventilator, infusion pumps and critical care trained staff, planned bed to bed with both clinical teams.
- 01Bed to bedPlanned with both hospitals
- 02VentilatedPatients on breathing support
- 03IntercityAnd interstate transfers
- 0424x7Transfer desk on call
A moving intensive care unit
Everything the ICU team needs, on the road
Critical Care vehicles are set up for each patient before the transfer begins.
- 1Transport ventilatorKeeps breathing support running from bed to bed.
- 2IV dripFluids continue at the rate set by the sending team.
- 3Syringe and infusion pumpsMedicines delivered at a steady, set rate.
- 4Vital signs monitorMounted on an arm so the team can see it from every side.
Bed to bed
How a critical care transfer runs
Every step is agreed between the sending team, the receiving team and RISA before the patient moves.
- 01Sending hospital
Transfer request
The treating team calls RISA with the patient details and the receiving hospital.
- 02Both teams
Clinical handshake
Doctors at both ends agree the plan, the timing and the support needed on the way.
- 03RISA
Vehicle prepared
A Critical Care ambulance is equipped and checked for this patient.
- 04On the road
Care continues
Ventilation, infusions and monitoring continue without a break.
- 05Receiving ICU
Bed to bed handover
The crew hands over at the bedside with the full case record.
Equipment
A moving intensive care unit
Multi parameter monitor
Vital signs on screen for the whole transfer.
Syringe and infusion pumps
Medicines and fluids delivered at the set rate.
Defibrillator
Ready for any change in heart rhythm.
Suction and airway
Airway care on the way.
Oxygen reserve
Planned for the full length of the journey.
Bed to bed
The transfer ends where it began: at a bedside, with the full record.
The crew briefs the receiving ICU team in person, with notes, settings and medicines given on the way.
For the sending hospital
What to have ready before the transfer
A short checklist helps the transfer start on time and keeps the receiving team fully informed.
The RISA transfer desk works through this list with your team on the call. Nothing moves until both clinical teams have agreed the plan.
- Receiving hospital and bed confirmed
- Plan agreed between both treating doctors
- Family informed and consent recorded
Sending hospital checklist
Transfer readiness
- Transfer summary and latest notes
- Recent reports and imaging
- Medicines and infusion rates
- Ventilator settings, if ventilated
- Consent and identity documents
- Receiving doctor name and number
Shared with the receiving ICU before arrival
Choosing a care level
Three levels, one number
Critical Care is the highest of three care levels.
BLS
Basic Life Support
Stable patients who need care and a safe ride
- Oxygen and first aid
- Stretcher and wheelchair
- Trained attendant
Advanced Life Support
Patients who need monitoring and intervention on the way
- Cardiac monitor and defibrillator
- Airway and breathing support
- Emergency medical technician
Critical Care
Critically ill patients and intensive care transfers
- Transport ventilator
- Infusion and syringe pumps
- Critical care trained staff
Not sure which level you need? You do not have to decide. The call taker asks a few questions and sends the right one.
Emergency · Toll free · 24x7
Planning a critical care transfer?
Call the toll free number or reach the transfer desk. The team plans the move with both hospitals.
Questions and answers
Critical Care transfers, answered
In an emergency, call 1800 108 1800 at any hour. For anything else, write to contact@smartambulance.com.
Visit the help centreWhat is a Critical Care ambulance?
An ambulance equipped like a moving intensive care unit, with a transport ventilator, infusion pumps, a monitor and critical care trained staff.
Who requests a critical care transfer?
Usually the treating hospital. Families can also call, and the RISA team will speak to the treating doctor.
Can a doctor travel with the patient?
Yes, a doctor can be arranged for transfers that need one. Ask the transfer desk when you plan the move.
Do you handle intercity and interstate transfers?
Yes. Planned critical care transfers between cities and across states are arranged with both hospitals.
What does the receiving hospital get?
The full case record and a bedside handover from the crew.
Keep exploring
More from Ambulance Services
Hospital TransfersPlanned moves between hospitals.Advanced Life SupportMonitoring and intervention on the way.Basic Life SupportCare and a safe ride for stable patients.Fares and PaymentHow fares work and how to pay.How to RequestEvery way to request an ambulance.All ambulance servicesThe full Ambulance Services overview.